Yankees vs. Rangers: New York SP CC Sabathia Dresses Up as an Underdog

The New York Yankees (9-6) and Texas Rangers (13-3) will open up a highly-anticipated three-game American League series on Monday night inside Rangers Ballpark, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET on ESPN.

Las Vegas oddsmakers have opened up the Yankees as plus-102 road underdogs, while the total stands at 9.5 across the board.

New York has won its first two games of its current road trip, which includes an electrifying 15-9 come-from-behind victory over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon. The Yankees may have received a break in having Sunday night's game washed out, as the club didn't have to travel to the Lone Star State during the early morning hours.

Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (1-0, 5.59 ERA) will look to win his second straight game, coming off an 8-3 home win over the Minnesota Twins on April 17, where he gave up three runs and four hits over 7.1 innings of work.

The left-hander has registered a solid 10-3 mark and 4.44 ERA in 17 career starts versus the Rangers, including a 5-2 record and 4.68 ERA in seven outings at Rangers Ballpark.

Sports bettors will find that the Yankees are 1-5 in their last six games as a road underdog, while the "over" has cashed in that situation in four consecutive contests.

Texas has compiled a 5-0 record when facing left-handed starters during the early portion of the 2012 campaign, which includes a 3-2 extra-innings win on Sunday over Detroit Tigers southpaw Drew Smyly.

The Rangers completed their nine-game road trip with a sensational 8-1 record, with the offense being led by outfielder Josh Hamilton, who comes into this series hitting .418 with seven home runs and 17 RBIs.

Derek Holland (2-0, 3.10 ERA) has gotten off to a solid start, but that could quickly change in his third home outing of the year. He comes in with a dismal 0-4 record and 9.00 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) versus the Bronx Bombers.

The 25-year-old southpaw will need to pitch carefully to Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, who is 7 for 15 with three home runs and eight RBIs against him.

Sports bettors will find that the Rangers are 20-7 in Holland's last 27 home starts, while the "over" is on a 16-6-1 run in that situation.

Weather forecasts suggest sunny skies and game-time temperatures in the upper-60s, with a slight southeasterly breeze (in from center).