The Texas Rangers head to Rate Field on Tuesday, August 25 to open a road series against the Chicago White Sox, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET. Jacob deGrom gets the ball for Texas against Chicago's Anthony Kay in what shapes up as a classic pitcher's duel on paper — at least on the Rangers' side of the equation. With the regular season grinding toward its final stretch, every game in the standings carries real weight, and Texas needs deGrom to deliver.
Starting Pitchers: Jacob deGrom vs. Anthony Kay
When deGrom is healthy and dealing, there are few pitchers in baseball more electric to watch. The Rangers built around that premise when they signed him, and every start he makes is an opportunity for Texas to steal a game regardless of the opponent. His stuff — the elite fastball velocity, the late-breaking slider — gives Rangers hitters a legitimate chance to rest their legs while he handles the heavy lifting on the mound.
Chicago counters with Anthony Kay, a left-hander who has carved out a big-league role with the White Sox. Without current season statistics available for either starter heading into this one, the matchup is worth watching closely from the first inning. Kay will need to keep the Rangers' lineup off-balance if Chicago wants any shot at taking game one of this series.
Keys to Watch for the Rangers
- deGrom's command: When deGrom is locating his fastball early in counts, he's a different pitcher entirely. Watch his first-inning efficiency — it tends to set the tone for his entire outing.
- Plate discipline against Kay: Left-handed starters can give Rangers hitters fits depending on roster construction. Texas needs to work counts, especially early, and not let Kay roll through the lineup on weak contact.
- Bullpen management: If deGrom goes deep into the game, the Rangers' backend becomes less of a factor. A short start, however, will put pressure on a bullpen that has to be protected over a long road trip.
- Run support: The Rangers need to scratch across runs early. Giving deGrom a lead is the best thing this lineup can do for him — and for the Rangers' chances of leaving Chicago with a win.
Broadcast Information
Tuesday's game can be seen on Rangers Sports Network, presented by Progressive, for Texas viewers, and on Chicago Sports Network locally. Radio coverage in English is available on 105.3 The Fan for Rangers fans. Spanish-language listeners can tune in on KFLC 1270 AM or 107.9 La Ley.
Prediction
Trust deGrom. When he's right, the Rangers are very difficult to beat, and Rate Field is not exactly an intimidating road environment. Texas takes game one behind a quality deGrom start and just enough offense to get the job done. Rangers 3, White Sox 1.
