Jeff Banister is giving slumping Mike Napoli (.148/.227/.284) the day off today, and has opted to play Ryan Rua at first base, instead of Jurickson Profar, despite the Angels starting righthander J.C. Ramirez. Profar is a switch hitter who swings better from the left side, so against a righty, you’d normally think he’d be the first choice at first base, but Banister appears more inclined to see if DeShields and Rua can get something going with regular at bats.
The lineup:
DeShields — LF
Mazara — RF
Gomez -- CF
Odor — 2B
Elvis — SS
Gallo -- 3B
Choo -- DH
Rua — 1B
Chirinos — C
Martin Perez takes the mound for Texas.