Rangers and Brewers Square Off in High-Stakes Matinee
The Texas Rangers are poised to conclude their three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday afternoon at Globe Life Field. This matchup carries significant implications as the Rangers strive to secure a foothold in the American League wild card race. After hovering around the .500 mark for much of the season, they find themselves in a critical position, yet still chasing the elusive final wild card spot currently held by the Seattle Mariners.
A Look at the Standings
The Brewers, leading the National League Central, hold a comfortable advantage, allowing them some breathing room. A loss on Wednesday is unlikely to diminish their playoff hopes in the same way it would impact the Rangers, underscoring the high-stakes nature of this clash.
Game Day Details
Date: Wednesday, September 10
Time: 1:35 p.m. CT
Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington
Watch: Rangers Sports Network, Victory+ (Rangers); FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (Brewers); MLB Network (out-of-market)
Listen: 105.3 The Fan/1270 KFLC-AM (Spanish) (Rangers); WTMJ 620 (Brewers)
Probable Pitchers
Rangers: Merrill Kelly (11-7, 3.16 ERA)
Merrill Kelly has been a beacon of stability for the Rangers since his acquisition. In his most recent outing against the Houston Astros, Kelly pitched seven innings, allowing just one earned run on five hits while striking out seven and walking one. This performance added to an impressive streak, as he has pitched at least six innings in each of his last three starts. Overall, Kelly’s time with the Rangers has been notable—he boasts a 2.98 ERA over seven starts, with a total of 35 strikeouts against only nine walks in 42.1 innings. Opponents are hitting a mere .207 against him, complemented by a 1.04 WHIP. Wednesday marks his 30th start of the season.
Brewers: Freddy Peralta (16-5, 2.50 ERA)
On the opposing mound, Freddy Peralta is quietly making a case for the National League Cy Young Award. He has been particularly dominant down the stretch, going 4-1 with an impressive 1.46 ERA over his last seven games, which includes 45 strikeouts and 19 walks in 37 innings. His last appearance against the Philadelphia Phillies saw him throw five innings with no runs allowed and just two hits surrendered, while striking out eight. Peralta will also be making his 30th start on Wednesday, with a remarkable 176 strikeouts and 61 walks in 158.2 innings, and batters are managing only a .190 average against him, along with a 1.07 WHIP.
Injury Updates for the Rangers
The Rangers are navigating several injury challenges as they head into this crucial game:
Danny Coulombe, LHP (15-day IL, left shoulder fatigue): Expected to begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco on Friday.
Nathan Eovaldi, RHP (15-day IL, right rotator cuff strain): Likely out for the remainder of the regular season.
Adolis Garcia, OF (10-day IL, left quad strain): Participated in live batting practice and could return for the series against the Houston Astros on September 15.
Corey Seager, SS (10-day IL, appendectomy): May be cleared to play for the next home series against the Miami Marlins on September 19.
Marcus Semien, 2B (10-day IL, left foot contusion): Currently recovering from a fracture and will require four to six weeks for healing.
Sam Haggerty, OF (10-day IL, left ankle inflammation): Expected to begin a rehab assignment on Friday.
Long-term Injuries
Several players are also facing extended time on the injured list:
Evan Carter, OF: Out for the season due to a right wrist fracture.
Josh Sborz, RHP: Shut down for the season following right shoulder surgery recovery.
Tyler Mahle, RHP: Currently on a rehab assignment and aiming for a return soon.
Cody Bradford, LHP: Underwent season-ending elbow surgery and is projected to return in 2026.
Jon Gray, P: Moved to the 60-day IL, ending his season.
As the Rangers and Brewers prepare to face off in this pivotal game, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. The Rangers must seize the opportunity to solidify their wild card aspirations, while the Brewers aim to maintain their commanding lead in the division.
