Cole Hamels scratched, Doug Fister starts tonight

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels has been scratched from tonight’s start due to a stiff neck. Taking his place is Doug Fister, who was scheduled to start tomorrow night’s game. There is no word yet on who might start tomorrow.

The Rangers had off days last Thursday and on Monday, which helps them from the standpoint of flexibility. Fister started Saturday against the Tigers, so even though he is moving up one spot in the rotation, he is pitching on regular rest. Matt Moore was scheduled to start for Texas on Saturday, and he could be moved up to start tomorrow on regular rest if Hamels can’t go. Otherwise, the Rangers would seem to be likely to turn to Jesse Chavez tomorrow -- Chavez last pitched on May 13, when he threw three innings in relief of Matt Moore against Houston, and thus would be pitching on four days rest if he started Friday.