Rangers tab playoff-tested Hamels for Game 1

ARLINGTON — The Rangers waited almost until Cole Hamels took the podium to field questions as the team’s Game 1 starter of the American League Division Series before actually naming him the starter.

Despite the last-second nature of Wednesday’s announcement, it was hardly a surprise that the Rangers tabbed their ace left-hander for the opener of the Rangers’ second ALDS matchup against the Blue Jays in as many years. Game 1 is Thursday at 4:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. CT at Globe Life Park and can be seen on TBS, as well as Sportsnet (English) and TVA (French) in Canada.

“The best [factor] of all is that we like him starting it off for us,” Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. “He’s been there before.”

Game Date Time Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 6 4:30 p.m. TOR @ TEX TBS/SN/TVA Gm 2 Oct. 7 1 p.m. TOR @ TEX TBS/SN/TVA Gm 3 Oct. 9 7:30 p.m. TEX @ TOR  TBS/SN/TVA *Gm 4 Oct. 10 TBD TEX @ TOR TBS/SN/TVA *Gm 5 Oct. 12 TBD TOR @ TEX TBS/SN/TVA *- If necessary | All times listed ETShop for postseason gear: Rangers | Blue Jays • Complete Postseason coverage

Hamels, who will square off against Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada in Game 1, has been one of the Majors’ most accomplished postseason pitchers since he entered the league in 2006. His seven career postseason wins are tied for …

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