ARLINGTON, Texas -- A day after his spectacular major league debut, Joey Gallo is back in the Texas Rangers' lineup for tonight’s 7:05 game with the Chicago White Sox at Globe Life Park.
Gallo will serve as designated hitter and bat sixth in the lineup against Chicago’s Chris Sale (4-2, 3.66 ERA).
Against a tough left-hander like Sale, one school of thought would be to give the left-handed hitting Gallo the night off.
Rangers manager Jeff Bannister sees it differently.
“Every experience going forward will add value to his process,’’ the manager said.
Bannister said he weighs into his decision such factors as player makeup, atmosphere and competitive nature.
The manager reflected to a spring training game against the Giants when Gallo faced 37-year-old left-hander Javier Lopez.
“He didn’t look like he wanted to do anything but be in the batter’s box,’’ Bannister said. “He’ll tell us where he’s at. You judge players long-term. Our plan bringing him up was to play him.’’
Gallo had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs in Tuesday's victory against the White Sox.
Prince rests: One Rangers left-handed hitter will get a rest against Sale. Designated hitter Prince Fielder gets a scheduled night off. Fielder, the top hitter in the American League (.355), started in each of the Rangers' previous 52 games.
Bannister said he wanted to give all his core players a second off day to go with Monday’s regular off day.
“When you get a day off this time of year, it helps in the middle to the end of the season,’’ Bannister explained. “It is just a good time to give Prince a day off. We want to get him off his legs.’’
On a roll: Coming off his first loss of the season, tonight’s Rangers starter Nick Martinez still has a club record streak intact.
The 24-year-old right-hander has allowed three runs or fewer in 16 consecutive starts. Pittsburgh’s Gerrit Cole is the only pitcher in the majors that can match that streak. The number drops to 10 for the third pitcher on the list, Drew Smyly of Tampa Bay. Rich Hand previously owned the Rangers record of 15 in 1972.
Martinez’s streak began in August 2014. He has an ERA of 2.13 during the streak.
Recognition: Delino DeShields was named American League Rookie of the Month for May after hitting .296 with 15 walks and nine RBIs. DeShields led the AL with 10 stolen bases in the month and was fourth in runs (22).
He is the first Ranger to win the award since pitcher Martin Perez in August 2013.
Bannister praised DeShields for the energy he provides at the top of the lineup. “When he gets on base, I feel like he’s going to score,’’ the manager said. “Defensively, he’s gotten better from Day 1. He’s a fun player to watch. Teams have to be aware of him on the bases and at the plate.''
Tonight’s lineup: With Adrian Beltre, Fielder and Josh Hamilton all out of the lineup, Elvis Andrus will bat third for the first time this season. The lineup: Delino DeShields (CF), Shin-Soo Choo (RF), Elvis Andrus (SS), Mitch Moreland (1B), Adam Rosales (3B), Joey Gallo (DH), Jake Smolinski (LF), Carlos Corporan (C), Hanser Alberto (2B).
Notes: Left-hander pitcher Matt Harrison has been sent to Triple-A Round Rock for an injury rehab assignment. He is today’s scheduled starter at Reno. Harrison underwent spinal fusion surgery a year ago ... The Rangers set a season high in hits (19) on Tuesday and equaled their highest run total (15) ... Bannister said catcher Robinson Chirinos, who left Tuesday’s game with a bruised hand, is OK, meaning the Rangers will not have to add a catcher.