On deckThursday's pitching matchupRANGERS STARTER RHP AUSTIN BIBENS-DIRKX (5-2, 4.67 in 2017) will make his first appearance of the season at the major-league level. Bibens-Dirkx was 2-3 with a 3.72 ERA in eight starts with Triple-A Round Rock. Bibens-Dirkx won a start against the Yankees last season, allowing one run in seven innings.LOVES TO FACE: Tyler Austin struck out twice in three at-bats during last season's meeting.HATES TO FACE: Left-handed hitters had more walks than strikeouts (12-10) against Bibens-Dirkx last season.KANSAS CITY LHP DANNY DUFFY (1-6, 6.88) has allowed six homers and 14 runs in 7 1/3 innings for his last two starts combined.