Texas Rangers pitcher MacKenzie Gore. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Preview: Rangers' Home Opener vs. Reds

Originally posted on Texas Rangers on SI
By Matt Postins | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 12:41 PM ET

The Texas Rangers return to Globe Life Field to open the home portion of their 2026 schedule with the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.

First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. The Rangers (4-2) wont both series on their first road trip of the season, taking two out of three from both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Baltimore Orioles. Texas got some energy from 39-year-old outfielder Andrew McCutchen and young starter Jack Leiter, who gave the Rangers their best start on the road trip.

After a week the Rangers are in second place in the American League West, with the Houston Astros (5-2) up by a half-game going into the weekend. Houston started the season with a two-game losing streak and followed it up with a five-game winning streak. Texas won four straight games between their opening-day loss and their final loss on the trip to the Orioles.

The Reds (3-3) are treading water in the National League Central, with the Milwaukee Brewers two games up on Cincinnati after a week.

Here is a breakdown of the game, including how to watch, the starting pitchers, injuries and other notes.

How to Watch Texas Rangers Home Opener

Cincinnati Reds at Texas Rangers

Time: 3:05 p.m. CT

Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington

TV: Rangers Sports Network. Game can be streamed on Victory+

Radio: KRLD 1080, KFLC 1270

Pitching Matchup

Texas: LHP MacKenzie Gore (1-0, 3.38) vs. Cincinnati: RHP Brady Singer (0-0, 6.75)

Gore’s first start with the Rangers was sharp. He gave up two hits and two earned runs in 5.1 innings against the Phillies on Sunday. He struck out seven and walked three and positioned the Rangers for their second win of the season. Texas will be looking for more length from the left-hander, who won just five games last season.

Singer’s first start of the season was a no-decision in which he went four innings and gave up five hits and three earned runs. He struck out five and walked two. He’s coming off a strong season with the Reds in 2025, as he went 14-12 with a 4.03 ERA, with 163 strikeouts and 60 walks in 169.2 innings.

Rangers Injuries

10-Day Injured List: INF Cody Freeman (lumbar stress reaction); LHP Cody Bradford (left UCL surgery); 60-Day Injured List: LHP Jordan Montgomery (Tommy John surgery).

Bradford began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

This article first appeared on Texas Rangers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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