The Texas Rangers host the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field on Thursday, September 17, with first pitch scheduled for 8:05 PM ET. Tyler Alexander takes the ball for Texas against veteran right-hander Sonny Gray in a late-season regular season matchup that carries real weight for both clubs. With September winding down and roster spots and positioning still very much in play, this is the kind of game where execution matters more than reputation. Rangers fans can catch the action on Rangers Sports Network, presented by Progressive, or listen locally on 105.3 The Fan.

Pitching Matchup: Tyler Alexander vs. Sonny Gray

Tyler Alexander draws the start for Texas in what shapes up as a pivotal outing. Alexander is a crafty left-handed option who relies on sequencing and command rather than overpowering hitters — the kind of pitcher who can keep a lineup off-balance when his stuff is working. The Rangers will need him to go deep into the game and limit traffic on the bases against a Boston lineup that can put the ball in play.

On the other side, Sonny Gray brings experience and a track record of durability. Gray has spent his career generating weak contact and posting competitive strikeout numbers, and he remains a legitimate challenge for any lineup he faces. The Rangers will need to be disciplined at the plate and work counts if they want to get into the Boston bullpen early.

Texas Rangers Starting Lineup

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

Keys to Watch for the Rangers

Seager and Jung Setting the Table

Corey Seager hitting second and Josh Jung slotted in at three gives the Rangers back-to-back threats in the heart of their order. Both hitters are capable of doing damage against a pitcher like Gray, and the Rangers will be counting on them to put pressure on Boston early. If Seager gets on base and Jung drives him in, Texas has a blueprint that works.

Wyatt Langford Continuing to Develop

Wyatt Langford's presence in the five-hole is worth watching. The young outfielder's development has been one of the storylines of this Rangers season, and late-season at-bats against established pitching like Gray are exactly the kind of reps that matter heading into the offseason.

Alexander's Command in the Strike Zone

The Rangers' offense can only do so much if Alexander struggles to throw strikes. He needs to be aggressive early in counts, avoid the walk, and trust his defense behind him. Globe Life Field's dimensions can be a factor, so keeping the ball in the park has to be the priority.

Prediction

This is a competitive matchup with quality pitching on both sides, and late September games at Globe Life Field tend to have an edge to them. The Rangers' lineup has enough firepower in the middle of the order to get to Gray, and if Alexander can give Texas five or six solid innings, the bullpen can close it out. Lean Rangers, 4-2.