The Texas Rangers host the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field on Saturday, September 5, 2026, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM ET. Jacob deGrom gets the ball for Texas against Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen in a late-season regular season matchup that carries real weight for both clubs. Rangers fans can catch the action on Rangers Sports Network, presented by Progressive, or listen on 105.3 The Fan.

Starting Pitchers: Jacob deGrom vs. Drew Rasmussen

When Jacob deGrom is on the mound, every game feels like an event. The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner has shown throughout his career that he can be as dominant as any pitcher in the game when healthy and locked in. Texas is counting on that version of deGrom on Saturday night, asking him to set the tone against a Tampa Bay lineup that has historically been disciplined and difficult to put away.

Drew Rasmussen will answer for the Rays. The right-hander has shown the ability to miss bats and work deep into games when he is on, making him a legitimate challenge for a Rangers lineup that will need to stay patient and work counts early.

Texas Rangers Lineup to Watch

Manager Bruce Bochy has constructed a lineup with plenty of offensive variety for Saturday night. Joc Pederson leads things off from the DH spot, followed by Corey Seager at shortstop in the two hole — a pairing that puts two dangerous left-handed bats at the top of the order. Wyatt Langford hits third, with Brandon Nimmo cleaning up in right field at the four spot.

The middle of the order continues with Ezequiel Duran at second base hitting fifth, Jake Burger at first base sixth, and Evan Carter in center field seventh. Cody Freeman gets the start at third base batting eighth, with Danny Jansen catching and hitting ninth.

• Joc Pederson, DH — Leadoff bat with power potential from the left side
• Corey Seager, SS — One of the most dangerous two-hole hitters in the American League
• Wyatt Langford, LF — Young outfielder continuing to develop in a high-leverage spot
• Brandon Nimmo, RF — Professional hitter who works counts and gets on base
• Ezequiel Duran, 2B — Brings contact and gap power from the five spot
• Jake Burger, 1B — A legitimate power threat who can change a game in one swing
• Evan Carter, CF — Athletic centerfielder who has shown flashes of big potential
• Cody Freeman, 3B — Gets the start at the hot corner Saturday
• Danny Jansen, C — Veteran presence behind the plate to handle deGrom

Keys to the Game

deGrom's Command Sets the Tone

When deGrom is hitting his spots and the fastball has life, this lineup does not need to do much. Texas wins games like this by keeping him in favorable counts, staying out of big innings, and letting the offense chip away at Rasmussen.

Working Rasmussen Early

Rasmussen can be tough when he is in rhythm. The Rangers' best approach is to make him work, grind at-bats, and look to string together traffic in the middle innings when pitch counts start climbing.

Globe Life Field Factor

September baseball in Arlington under the roof at Globe Life Field is a controlled environment — no wind, consistent conditions. That setup generally favors a pitcher of deGrom's caliber who can locate precisely without weather variables disrupting his command.

Prediction

This is a game that sets up well for the Rangers. A healthy, on-form deGrom at Globe Life Field is a tough assignment for any visiting lineup, and the Tampa Bay Rays are no exception. Texas has enough in its lineup — with Seager, Langford, Nimmo, and Burger capable of doing damage — to provide at least modest run support. Expect a tight, well-pitched game, but give the edge to the home side. Rangers win, 3-1.