First pitch 2:35 p.m. ET
Venue: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
This is the series finale. The Mets have already secured the series with wins of 6-3 on Tuesday and 7-2 on Wednesday (Marcus Semien’s tiebreaking homer against his former team and Brett Baty’s pinch-hit grand slam). The Rangers are in a tight AL West race, tied or close with Houston, with limited games remaining and the Astros holding the head-to-head tiebreaker. Texas is trying to avoid a home sweep while fighting for a playoff spot.
Starting Pitchers
Mets: LHP Zac Thornton (5-5, 3.40 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 59 K in 79.1 IP over 14 starts). The 24-year-old lefty has shown solid command and consistency in his rookie season. Recent outings include a win vs. Philadelphia (6 IP, 2 ER on Sept. 18) and a strong effort at the Yankees.
Rangers: RHP Kumar Rocker (5-11, 4.47 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 134 K in 143.0 IP over 26 starts). The former top prospect has battled inconsistency and control issues this year but generates strikeouts. Recent starts have been shorter (e.g., 4.1 IP, 1 ER vs. Toronto on Sept. 18).
Thornton holds clear advantages in ERA, WHIP, and walk rate. Rocker’s higher strikeout rate offers upside but comes with more risk of free passes and hard contact.
Current Weather Forecast (Globe Life Field)
Mostly sunny and hot, high near 95-97°F with heat index values up to 100. East winds 5-10 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with lows around 70°F. Dry conditions expected (near 0% precipitation chance during the game). The retractable roof at Globe Life Field typically remains open in good weather, so heat and any wind effects will factor into play.
Injury Reports
Mets:
Jared Young (1B, concussion/head) – 7-day IL.
Christian Scott (SP, knee) – 15-day IL.
Daniel Duarte (RP, hamstring) – 15-day IL.
Robert Stock (RP, fingers) – 15-day IL.
Jorge Polanco (DH, ankle) – 60-day IL.
Longer-term: Reed Garrett (elbow), Tylor Megill (elbow), and others.
Rangers:
Joc Pederson (DH, hand) – 10-day IL.
Kyle Higashioka (C, flexor tendon/forearm) – 10-day IL.
Longer-term 60-day IL includes Jack Leiter (ankle), Cal Quantrill (lat), Cole Winn (shoulder), Jalen Beeks (back), Carter Baumler (ribs), and others. Michel Otanez (illness) on 15-day IL.
Both teams are missing depth, particularly in the bullpen and key position players for Texas.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups / Notable Performers
Juan Soto (Mets, 27 HR) – Homering recently; elite power threat against Rocker.
Marcus Semien (Mets) – Hot after the emotional homer vs. his former club; solid all-around contributor.
Francisco Lindor / Bo Bichette / Brett Baty – Lindor sets the table; Baty provided the grand slam impact Wednesday.
Jake Burger / Evan Carter / Josh Jung / Brandon Nimmo (Rangers) – Burger and Carter drove in the runs Wednesday; Jung has been productive lately. Nimmo (acquired in the Semien deal) faces his old team.
Thornton (lefty) vs. Rangers right-handed bats could create favorable matchups for Texas, who have hit lefties well at times this season.
Recent Team Forms
Mets: Strong recent stretch (wins in the series; better road form of late). Offense powered by Soto and timely power. Last 10 roughly mixed but trending up with the series sweep opportunity.
Rangers: 3-game losing streak (L3 overall recently). Still competitive in the AL West but struggling to convert late leads. Home record solid (44-36). Offense has been inconsistent.
Series History (2026)
Mets lead the current three-game set 2-0 and are going for the sweep. Season series details favor New York in recent meetings. High-leverage moments and former teammates (Semien/Nimmo) add extra storylines.
Betting Trends
Rangers favored due to home field and remaining playoff stakes despite the skid. Overs have hit in some recent home games for Texas.
Game Odds
New York Mets 8
Texas Rangers – 128
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, September 23, 2026
