First pitch 8:05 p.m. ET
Venue: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
TV: SNY / Rangers Sports Network / MLB.TV
The Rangers sit tied or near the top of the AL West and remain in the wild-card hunt with six games left, looking to solidify a postseason berth. The Mets are eliminated from contention in last place in the NL East and are evaluating talent while playing out the schedule.
Starting Pitchers
New York LHP Sean Manaea (5-7, 4.74 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 138.2 IP, 132 K, 41 BB, 23 HR)
Veteran lefty providing innings in a mixed starter/reliever role. Elevated home-run rate and average peripherals this season; road numbers are serviceable but inconsistent. Faces a Rangers lineup that can punish mistakes.
Texas LHP MacKenzie Gore (8-11, 4.67 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 165.2 IP, 172 K, 69 BB, 19 HR)
High-strikeout lefty with solid velocity but walk issues and recent form that has been mixed (higher ERA in last few outings). Cleared to start after dealing with minor shoulder/back spasms. Home starts at Globe Life Field have shown variability.
Venue & Weather Forecast
Globe Life Field is a retractable-roof stadium (likely closed or partially open depending on conditions) that plays relatively neutral with some hitter-friendly tendencies when the roof is open.
Forecast for first pitch: Partly cloudy, high near 96°F during the day cooling into the mid-70s overnight. Northeast winds 4-8 mph. Low chance of isolated storms earlier but expected dry and hot for game time. Warm conditions can favor offense if the roof is open.
Injury Reports
Mets
RP Devin Williams: 15-day IL (shoulder) – status monitored, possible return window.
1B Jared Young: 7-day IL (concussion).
RP Daniel Duarte: 15-day IL (hamstring).
SP/RP Robert Stock: 15-day IL (finger numbness).
DH Jorge Polanco: 60-day IL (ankle).
SP Tylor Megill / RP Reed Garrett: 60-day IL (elbow, long-term).
Core bats (Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, etc.) largely available.
Rangers
C Kyle Higashioka: 10-day IL (forearm/flexor).
RF Brandon Nimmo: Day-to-day (illness) – scratched recently, status for series TBD.
DH Joc Pederson: Day-to-day (hand).
RP Cal Quantrill: 15-day IL (lat strain).
SP Jack Leiter: 60-day IL (ankle).
Other bullpen pieces (Peyton Gray, Cole Winn, etc.) on IL.
Key contributors like Corey Seager, Jake Burger, and others expected available.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups & Roster Notes
Bo Bichette has historically hit Rangers pitching well. Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor provide Mets power and on-base skills against Gore’s high-K stuff.
For Texas, Jake Burger’s power and Brandon Nimmo (facing his former team) are factors if healthy; the Rangers’ depth in the middle of the order can pressure Manaea’s home-run tendencies. Both clubs have similar overall ERAs; Rangers hold a slight edge in home performance and recent form.
Recent Team Forms
Mets: Mixed – took two of four from Phillies recently but overall 3-7-ish in last 10. Offense has shown flashes (high-scoring wins) but inconsistency. Away record 35-40.
Rangers: Competitive – 6-4 in last 10, including series wins, but dropped the finale to Toronto. Stronger at home (44-34). Fighting for playoff positioning.
Season Series History
This is the first meeting of 2026 between the clubs (no prior series this year). Historical interleague matchups have been competitive in recent seasons.
Betting Trends
Rangers solid at home vs. losing teams and overs in some home spots; Mets have shown road moneyline value in stretches. Both lefties with similar mid-4.00 ERAs and walk/HR issues support a moderate total in warm conditions.
Game Odds
New York Mets 7.5
Texas Rangers – 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, September 21, 2026
