The Texas Rangers head to Minneapolis for a Friday night showdown at Target Field, with first pitch set for 8:10 PM ET on September 25, 2026. Jacob deGrom gets the ball for Texas against Minnesota's Joe Ryan in a late-season regular season contest that gives the Rangers a chance to close things out with one of their marquee arms on the mound. Catch the game on Rangers Sports Network presented by Progressive, CW33, or listen on 105.3 The Fan and The Wolf 102.9 FM.

Rangers vs. Twins Pitching Matchup: deGrom vs. Ryan

When Jacob deGrom is healthy and taking the ball, the conversation starts and ends with him. The right-hander has one of the most electric arsenals in the game, and a late September start at a neutral-ish environment like Target Field is exactly the kind of assignment that should suit him. No ERA or win-loss line is available heading into this one, so we'll let the name speak for itself — when deGrom is on, the Rangers' lineup doesn't need to do much to win a ballgame.

Joe Ryan is no pushover on the other side. The Twins right-hander has built a reputation as one of the more reliable starters in the American League, relying on a high spin rate and solid command to keep lineups honest. Minnesota is leaning on Ryan to keep this game competitive at home.

Minnesota Twins Lineup to Watch

The Twins are sending out a lineup worth taking seriously. Luke Keaschall leads off from right field, followed by Brooks Lee at third base. Kody Clemens hits third at second base, with Josh Bell getting the DH spot and batting cleanup. Ryan Jeffers catches and bats fifth, Walker Jenkins patrols center field in the six hole, and Royce Lewis — notably slotted at first base — hits seventh. Emmanuel Rodriguez and Ryan Kreidler round out the bottom of the order in left field and shortstop, respectively.

The Lewis placement at first base is worth monitoring. Whether that reflects an injury, a defensive adjustment, or a roster move isn't confirmed in available information, but it's a notable departure from his typical role at shortstop.

Keys to the Game

• deGrom's command: If he's locating his fastball and breaking ball early in counts, this game could get ugly for Minnesota in a hurry. Texas needs him to go deep into the game and save the bullpen.
• Rangers offense vs. Ryan: Joe Ryan's ability to generate weak contact and strikeouts means Texas hitters need to be disciplined at the plate. Laying off his best stuff and working counts will be critical.
• Twins bottom third: Rodriguez and Kreidler at the bottom of Minnesota's lineup aren't automatic outs. If they get on base and create havoc, it can turn a quiet game noisy fast for any pitcher.
• Jeffers behind the plate: Ryan Jeffers is a legitimate offensive threat in the middle of the order for a catcher. deGrom will need to keep him in the ballpark.

Prediction

This one comes down to which version of deGrom shows up. When he's right, the Rangers win this kind of game. Joe Ryan is a quality opponent, but if Texas can scratch two or three runs across — entirely realistic against a pitcher who relies on keeping the ball in the strike zone — deGrom and the bullpen should be enough. Rangers win, 3-1.