Dane Dunning will get the start for the Texas Rangers against the Seattle Mariners on Friday, followed by Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi

In the AL West, the Rangers and Mariners are tied for second place, one half game back of the Houston Astros. They are also tied for the third and final American League Wild Card place going into Friday’s game.

In the final 10 days of the season, the Rangers and Mariners face off seven times. Beginning on Thursday, they play four more games against each other in Seattle.

The first game on Friday is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m., followed by games on Saturday and Sunday at 6:05 p.m. and 1:35 p.m., respectively.

The last time Dunning pitched was on Saturday in Cleveland (10-6, 3.78). He pitched five innings without allowing a run but allowing six hits in that contest. He had five strikeouts and three walks. He received a no-decision, and the Rangers suffered a defeat after dropping all three of their games in Cleveland.

The Rangers are taking advantage of Thursday’s off-day by pitching Montgomery and Eovaldi over the weekend so that they can each get a typical amount of rest after starting against Boston on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Additionally, by doing this, they are able to omit the “fifth starter” from the rotation this time around.

Monday’s Boston game ended in a no-decision for Montgomery (9-11, 3.38). He pitched seven innings, allowing five hits and one run that was earned. He walked none and struck out eight times.

In his most recent start on Tuesday, Nathan Eovaldi (11-4, 3.05) went five innings while allowing four hits and three earned runs. He had three strikeouts and three walks. He accepted a no-decision, but the Rangers prevailed.

On Monday, when the Rangers and Los Angeles Angels begin their road series, Jon Gray would take the mound. However, according to manager Bruce Bochy, there is a chance that left-hander Martn Pérez would rejoin the rotation.

On Wednesday, Pérez relieved Gray, who had a difficult start, and went 4 2/3 innings against the Red Sox. Pérez would continue to receive his regular rest if thrown on Monday.

Gray might still be used by the Rangers, or they could turn to Cody Bradford (4-2, 4.65), who pitched three innings against the Cleveland Guardians last Sunday. He allowed seven hits and six runs that were earned. He did not walk, and he struck out two. Since that beginning, he has not thrown.

Since losing Max Scherzer for the remainder of the regular season while he made his final start in Toronto, the Rangers have been inventive with their rotation alternatives.

The Mariners’ starting lineup for the series has been decided. Right-handers Bryce Miller (8-5, 3.88), Logan Gilbert (13-6, 3.77), and Bryan Woo (4-4, 3.90) will start on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, respectively.