Friday Debuts

Two pitchers make debuts tonight for their respective ball clubs.

Jeff Karstens, acquired in the Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte deal with the Yankees, starts for the Pirates against the Cubs at Wrigley. He owns a 3-5 record and 5.65 ERA in 15 MLB outings. He's made nine starts at the Major League level. Karsten's opponent is the Cubs' Jason Marquis

Raymond Thomas Hunter makes his MLB debut for the Rangers tonight against the Blue Jays Shaun Marcum. He goes by Tommy, so don't be confused. He's had some success in the minors, albeit modest success by prospect standards. In his most recent stop at Triple-A Oklahoma, Hunter went 2-2 in five starts with a 3.24 ERA. He's not a strikeout artist and says one tiny adjustment is the reason for his recent success in the minors.

"The only big difference is learning to keep the ball down, keep it in the bottom half of the strike zone instead of thigh high where it gets crushed. It really came from the first four starts when I was in Bakersfield. I had to learn quick (after posting a 5.14 ERA). That's one big part of being able to win in professional baseball, keep the ball down."

This might be a one-start opportunity for Hunter.