Rangers Face Crucial Test Against Marlins Amidst Injury Struggles
The Texas Rangers find themselves in a precarious position as they continue their three-game series against the Miami Marlins at Globe Life Field. After a disappointing sweep by the Houston Astros earlier this week, the Rangers are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. With expectations high at the start of the season, this battle for survival comes as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in Major League Baseball.
Game Details and Viewing Options
The matchup is set for Saturday, September 20, with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action on the Rangers Sports Network and Victory+, while Marlins supporters can tune into FanDuel Sports Network Florida. For those looking to listen, 105.3 The Fan offers coverage in English, with Spanish listeners able to catch the game on 1270 KFLC-AM. The Marlins’ Spanish broadcast can be found on FOX Sports 940AM and WAQI 710.
Probable Pitchers: A Tale of Two Starters
For the Rangers, the starting pitcher has yet to be officially confirmed, but right-hander Jack Leiter is expected to take the mound. Leiter, who faced the Astros earlier this week, delivered a solid performance despite taking the loss. The Rangers had initially considered using Patrick Corbin and Jacob Latz, but both were deployed out of the bullpen during Friday’s grueling 12-inning contest against the Marlins.
On the other hand, the Marlins will send Adam Mazur to the hill. The second-year right-hander has struggled this season, holding a 0-4 record and a 4.85 ERA. Despite a rocky tenure, his last outing was a hard-luck loss against Detroit, where he pitched six innings of one-hit ball without allowing an earned run. The Rangers will need to capitalize on Mazur’s vulnerabilities if they hope to turn their fortunes around.
Injury Concerns Plague the Rangers
Injuries have significantly impacted the Rangers’ roster, complicating their playoff push. Key players currently sidelined include:
Corey Seager, SS: Recovering from an appendectomy, Seager is eligible to return but his timeline remains uncertain.
Marcus Semien, 2B: Dealing with a left foot fracture, Semien took batting practice recently and remains hopeful for a late-season return.
Sam Haggerty, OF: Suffering from left ankle inflammation, Haggerty has begun a rehab assignment.
Nathan Eovaldi, RHP: Expected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a right rotator cuff strain.
Additionally, several players have been placed on the 60-day injured list, including Evan Carter, who is out for the season with a wrist fracture, and Jon Gray, whose season ended due to shoulder nerve irritation.
A Season of High Hopes and Harsh Realities
The Rangers’ current plight starkly contrasts the optimism that surrounded the team at the beginning of the season. With playoff aspirations now hanging by a thread, every game holds tremendous weight. They will need to dig deep and find a way to overcome their mounting challenges as they face the Marlins, a team looking to disrupt their plans further.
As the series unfolds, the Rangers must channel their resilience and skill to navigate through this turbulent chapter and keep their postseason dreams alive.
