Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
First pitch: 8:05 p.m. ET
TV: SNY / Rangers Sports Network (RSN)
The Mets are playing out the string after a disappointing season but have shown recent road success. The Rangers are fighting for the AL West title (tied or near the top with Houston, who hold the tiebreaker) with five games remaining and need wins to stay alive in the division race. This is Game 2 of a three-game interleague series; the Mets won the opener 6-3 on Tuesday behind Sean Manaea.
Probable Pitchers
Mets: RHP Nolan McLean (11-10, 3.18 ERA, strong strikeout total of 189 in ~172.2 IP). The young right-hander has been one of New York’s most reliable starters and is making his final start of a solid rookie-level campaign. He delivered a strong outing in his previous start.
Rangers: LHP Cody Bradford (0-5, 4.19 ERA, 1.50 WHIP). The left-hander has struggled for wins this season but showed better form recently out of the bullpen/rotation mix. He faces a Mets lineup that has been productive on the road.
Current Weather Forecast
Mostly sunny to partly cloudy and hot. High near 95–96°F earlier in the day, temperatures still in the upper 70s to low 80s around first pitch inside the climate-controlled Globe Life Field (retractable roof typically closed in extreme heat). Light east winds, low precipitation chance. The indoor environment neutralizes outdoor heat.
Injury Reports
Mets:
1B Jared Young (7-day concussion IL)
RP Christian Scott (15-day IL, knee)
RP Robert Stock (15-day IL, fingers)
RP Daniel Duarte (15-day IL, hamstring)
Longer-term absences including DH Jorge Polanco, SP Tylor Megill, RP Reed Garrett. Devin Williams was recently reinstated in some reports.
Rangers:
DH Joc Pederson (10-day IL, hand)
C Kyle Higashioka (10-day IL, flexor/forearm)
SP/RP Cal Quantrill (60-day IL, lat)
Multiple other pitchers on longer IL (Cole Winn, Jack Leiter, Jalen Beeks, etc.).
Key Rosters / Notable Players
Mets: SS Francisco Lindor, OF Juan Soto, C Francisco Alvarez, INF Bo Bichette, OF Carson Benge (hot with hits), INF Brett Baty, and supporting pieces.
Rangers: OF Brandon Nimmo (familiar face), 1B Jake Burger, INF Josh Jung, INF Ezequiel Duran, C Danny Jansen, and fill-ins amid injuries (Marcus Semien in some lineups).
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
McLean’s solid stuff and strikeout ability will test a Rangers lineup missing some power (Pederson).
Bradford (lefty) faces a Mets group featuring left-handed threats and switch-hitters like Lindor and Soto.
Globe Life Field’s dimensions and controlled environment favor pitchers who can locate.
Recent Team Forms
Mets: Improved late (won 6 of last 8 on the road in some reports; mixed overall last 10). Road record around 36-40.
Rangers: Competitive (6-4 range in last 10). Strong home record (44-35) but under pressure in the division race.
Series History
Second of three meetings this series (Mets lead 1-0 after the 6-3 win). Limited prior 2026 head-to-head; interleague matchup with New York taking the early edge.
Betting Trends
McLean’s superior ERA and recent form give the Mets a pitching edge, while the Rangers’ home park and playoff urgency provide motivation. The series opener stayed relatively low-scoring after early runs.
Game Odds
New York Mets 7.5
Texas Rangers – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, September 22, 2026
