The Texas Rangers head to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento to take on the Athletics on Sunday, August 16, with first pitch set for 4:05 PM ET. Cody Bradford gets the ball for Texas, squaring off against Athletics right-hander Jacob Lopez in what shapes up as a pitcher's duel with real late-summer stakes. For a Rangers club that needs every win it can bank heading into the final stretch of the 2026 season, there's no such thing as a throwaway Sunday afternoon game on the road.

Pitching Matchup: Cody Bradford vs. Jacob Lopez

Bradford has been one of the more intriguing pieces of the Rangers rotation this season. The left-hander relies on pinpoint command and a willingness to work the entire strike zone, and pitching on the road in Sacramento — a hitter-friendly environment — will put his stuff to the test. Without current ERA or win-loss figures available at this writing, the emphasis falls squarely on what Bradford does with each individual at-bat Sunday.

On the Oakland side, Jacob Lopez draws the start for the Athletics. Lopez is not a household name nationally, but this Athletics club has shown a willingness to develop and trust their young arms, and Lopez will be tasked with keeping a Texas lineup quiet long enough to give Sacramento's lineup a chance to do damage.

Athletics Starting Lineup to Watch

The Athletics are sending out a legitimate lineup Sunday. Henry Bolte leads off from center field, with Zack Gelof slotting in at second. Jacob Wilson, the young shortstop who has drawn attention throughout the league this season, hits third. Jonah Heim — familiar to Rangers fans from his time in Arlington — bats cleanup behind the plate. Tommy White at first base, Lawrence Butler in right, Max Muncy at DH, Alika Williams at second, and Darell Hernaiz rounding out the nine at third base. This is a balanced group that can hurt you top to bottom.

Keys to Watch for Texas

• Bradford's command against a patient lineup: The Athletics have the personnel to work counts and make starting pitchers uncomfortable. Bradford's ability to get ahead early and avoid deep counts will be critical to keeping Texas in the game.
• Handling Jonah Heim: Heim knows Rangers pitchers. He spent significant time in the Texas organization and behind the plate at Globe Life Field. Bradford and his battery mate will need to keep him off balance — he's dangerous when comfortable at the dish.
• Texas offense generating early pressure: The Rangers don't have a confirmed lineup released yet, but however Bruce Bochy lines his club up, getting to Lopez before he settles in is the priority. Make him work, get to the Athletics bullpen, and take advantage of any mistakes.
• Bullpen management on the road: A Sunday game with travel implications means the Rangers can't afford to burn through arms carelessly. Getting length from Bradford — at least five or six innings — matters as much as the result itself.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Texas. Bradford profiles as the steadier of the two starters on paper, and if the Rangers offense does its job early, the bullpen should be able to close it out. Look for a close, low-scoring affair that comes down to a three-to-four run margin. Rangers take it, 4-2.