The Texas Rangers return to Globe Life Field on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, for a 8:05 PM ET first pitch against the New York Mets. It's a late-season regular season contest with real stakes still on the table — the kind of mid-week game in September that can define how a roster finishes a long year. The Mets send right-hander Nolan McLean to the mound in Arlington. Texas has not yet confirmed a starter. Fans can catch the action on Rangers Sports Network, presented by Progressive, or tune in on 105.3 The Fan.
Pitching Matchup: Nolan McLean Takes the Ball for New York
The clearest known variable heading into Wednesday night is Nolan McLean getting the start for the Mets. McLean is a young arm who will be tested in a road environment late in the regular season — that's not a small ask. The Rangers' starter, as of this writing, has not been named, which adds a layer of uncertainty to how Texas plans to approach the pitching side of this one. Watch for a lineup announcement closer to game time. Whoever the Rangers run out there, pitching efficiency in the middle innings will be a key factor given where both clubs are in the season calendar.
Keys to Watch in Rangers vs. Mets
- Texas lineup production: With the home crowd at Globe Life Field behind them, the Rangers need their lineup to make McLean work deep into counts. Wearing down a starting pitcher early sets up favorable matchups against a bullpen late.
- Unnamed Rangers starter: The fact that Texas hasn't locked in a starter publicly is worth monitoring. Whether it's a veteran arm or a spot starter, the first two innings will tell you a lot about how the night unfolds.
- September roster depth: With expanded rosters in play this time of year, both clubs have options. Bullpen management and pinch-hit decisions can swing a close game in either direction.
- Mets road performance: New York is playing in a hitter-friendly environment in Arlington. How McLean handles the Rangers' home lineup will set the tone for the entire game.
Broadcast Information
Wednesday's game is available on Rangers Sports Network, presented by Progressive, and on SNY for Mets fans. Radio coverage is available on 105.3 The Fan locally, with Spanish-language broadcasts on KFLC 1270 AM and the Audacy App 92.3 HD2.
Prediction
This is a difficult game to project cleanly with the Rangers' starter still unannounced. What we do know: Globe Life Field gives Texas a genuine home-field edge, and September baseball in Arlington tends to favor the club that controls the strike zone and limits walks. McLean will face a legitimate test against a Rangers lineup playing at home. Until Texas names their arm, this one leans Rangers by a run — home advantage, familiar surroundings, and a crowd that shows up late in the year. But the pitching situation bears watching right up until first pitch.
