The Texas Rangers return to Globe Life Field on Wednesday, September 23, to host the New York Mets in a 8:05 PM ET first pitch. New York will send right-hander Nolan McLean to the mound, while Texas has yet to announce a confirmed starter. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight for both clubs as they close out 2026.

Probable Starters: Mets Turn to Nolan McLean, Rangers TBD

The Mets will hand the ball to Nolan McLean, a young arm who gets the start in Arlington. McLean's season ERA and win-loss record were not available at time of writing, so it's difficult to project exactly what Rangers hitters will face — but that uncertainty cuts both ways. Texas hitters will need to do their homework early, get a read on his stuff in the first couple of innings, and make him work deep into counts.

On the Texas side, the Rangers have not announced a probable pitcher for this one. That's a storyline to monitor as first pitch approaches. Whether it's a spot starter, a bulk arm, or someone stepping into a larger role, the pitching decision out of the Rangers dugout could shape how this game unfolds significantly.

Texas Rangers Starting Lineup

• 1. Wyatt Langford, LF
• 2. Corey Seager, SS
• 3. Josh Jung, DH
• 4. Brandon Nimmo, RF
• 5. Ezequiel Duran, 3B
• 6. Jake Burger, 1B
• 7. Nicky Lopez, 2B
• 8. Danny Jansen, C
• 9. Evan Carter, CF

Keys to Watch at Globe Life Field

Seager and the Middle of the Order

Corey Seager hitting second behind Wyatt Langford gives Texas a dangerous top of the lineup. If Langford can get on base and Seager drives him around, the Rangers have a chance to put early pressure on McLean. Josh Jung batting third as the DH adds another left-handed bat in the heart of the order. This trio needs to set the table for the rest of the lineup.

Brandon Nimmo in the Four Hole

Worth noting: Brandon Nimmo, a name Mets fans know well, is listed in the Rangers lineup batting fourth in right field. Nimmo facing his former organization adds an interesting layer to this matchup. His plate discipline and ability to work counts will be valuable regardless of who Texas sends to the hill.

Evan Carter Leading Off the Back of the Order

Evan Carter batting ninth in center field gives the Rangers essentially a second table-setter. If Carter can get on base ahead of Langford and Seager, Texas has the kind of lineup continuity that can generate crooked numbers in innings.

Who Starts for Texas?

The biggest question mark heading into Wednesday night is simple: who pitches for the Rangers? Until that name is confirmed, evaluating the matchup completely is impossible. Keep an eye on any announcement from the club ahead of first pitch.

Prediction

This is a tough one to call with Texas's starter unknown and McLean's numbers unavailable. What we do know is that the Rangers are playing at home in front of their fans at Globe Life Field, with a lineup that has real offensive capability from top to bottom. Advantage Texas at home, but this one could go either way depending on who walks out of the Rangers bullpen or rotation to take the ball. Rangers 5, Mets 3.