First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET, with live coverage on CW33, SportsNet Pittsburgh, and MLB.TV.
Game Overview: Rangers vs Pirates – deGrom vs Burrows in a Cross-League Duel
The Rangers arrive in Pittsburgh looking to snap a three-game losing streak after being swept by the Royals. Meanwhile, the Pirates return home after splitting a rain-soaked doubleheader in Detroit. This series opener features a marquee pitching matchup between Jacob deGrom and Mike Burrows, with both teams seeking momentum as the season nears its midpoint.
Texas Rangers: deGrom Anchors a Team in Transition
Record: 36–39 (4th in AL West)
Last Game: 4–1 loss vs Kansas City Royals
Probable Starter: Jacob deGrom (6–2, 2.19 ERA, 0.91 WHIP)
Strengths:
- Elite Starting Pitching: Texas ranks 2nd in MLB with a 3.20 team ERA.
- deGrom’s Dominance: 11 straight starts of 5+ innings and ≤2 earned runs.
- Defensive Efficiency: Among the top 10 in defensive runs saved.
Weaknesses:
- Offensive Inconsistency: 26th in runs scored (270), 27th in team batting average (.229).
- Road Struggles: 13–23 away from Globe Life Field.
Key Players:
- Wyatt Langford: Leads team with 13 HRs, .244 AVG, .439 SLG.
- Josh Smith: Team-best .288 AVG, 11 doubles, .357 OBP.
- Marcus Semien: Riding an 11-game hitting streak, 7 HRs, 31 RBIs.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Young Arms, Veteran Bats
Record: 30–46 (5th in NL Central)
Last Game: 8–4 win vs Detroit Tigers (10 innings)
Probable Starter: Mike Burrows (1–1, 4.24 ERA, 25 K in 23.1 IP)
Strengths:
- Improving Rotation: Burrows has a 1.80 ERA in June with 20 Ks in 15 IP.
- Home Field Edge: 19–19 at PNC Park.
- Veteran Leadership: Andrew McCutchen recently tied Joe DiMaggio with 2,214 career hits.
Weaknesses:
- Offensive Woes: Last in MLB in runs scored (245), 28th in batting average (.225).
- Power Shortage: 53 home runs (29th in MLB), .336 slugging percentage (30th).
Key Players:
- Oneil Cruz: 13 HRs, 25 SBs, .431 SLG.
- Andrew McCutchen: .271 AVG, 8 HRs, 28 RBIs.
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa: .288 AVG, 10 doubles, .333 OBP.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
| Category | Rangers | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Team Batting Avg | .229 (26th) | .225 (28th) |
| Team ERA | 3.20 (2nd) | 3.82 (14th) |
| Home Runs | 76 (19th) | 53 (29th) |
| Runs Scored | 270 (26th) | 245 (30th) |
| Last 5 Games | 1–4 | 2–3 |
| All-Time Series | Rangers lead 17–11 | — |
- Rangers are 12–9 vs NL teams in 2025.
- Pirates have covered the spread in 4 of Burrows’ last 5 starts.
- Under has hit in 5 straight Rangers–Pirates matchups.
Game Odds
Texas Rangers – 193
Pittsburgh Pirates 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 19, 2025
