The Texas Rangers head to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Twins on Friday, September 25, 2026, with first pitch set for 8:10 PM ET at Target Field. Jacob deGrom takes the ball for Texas against Twins right-hander Joe Ryan in what shapes up as one of the more compelling pitching matchups of the final week of the regular season. With the calendar winding down, every game in September carries weight, and this one is no exception for a Rangers club looking to close out 2026 on a strong note.
Probable Starters: Jacob deGrom vs. Joe Ryan
The headliner here is deGrom, and it's hard to overstate what his availability means for this Rangers rotation. When deGrom is healthy and taking the mound, Texas has a legitimate ace-level arm capable of shutting down any lineup in the American League. His history of missing time makes each start feel significant — you watch, you appreciate, and you don't take it for granted.
Ryan is a legitimate challenge on the other side. The Twins right-hander has developed into one of Minnesota's most reliable starters, featuring a high-spin fastball that generates swing-and-miss up in the zone. He's the kind of arm that can keep a Rangers offense off-balance if Texas hitters aren't disciplined early in counts. This is a matchup that rewards patience at the plate.
Keys to Watch for the Texas Rangers
- deGrom's pitch count and efficiency: The more deGrom can do with fewer pitches early, the deeper into the game Texas can ride him. Efficient innings from the ace changes the entire complexion of what the bullpen needs to do.
- Handling Ryan's fastball: Ryan's riding fastball is his primary weapon. Rangers hitters who can lay off the elevated four-seamer and force him to work the bottom of the zone will put themselves in better counts and create more offensive opportunities.
- Bullpen management: Late September means rosters are expanded and fresh arms are available. How Texas manages the back end of this game — particularly if deGrom exits before the seventh — will be critical in a close contest.
- Capitalizing on traffic: Target Field can be a tough environment to generate crooked numbers. The Rangers need to convert when they get runners in scoring position rather than letting Ryan work out of jams.
Prediction
Give me the Rangers in a tight one. A healthy deGrom on the mound is the equalizer in any road environment, and if he's dealing Friday night, Texas has the pitching foundation to grind out a win. Expect a low-scoring game where one or two swings make the difference. Rangers 3, Twins 2.
Catch all the action on Rangers Sports Network, presented by Progressive, on TV, or on radio via 105.3 The Fan and The Wolf 102.9 FM. Spanish-language radio coverage is available on KFLC 1270.
