MLB Game Preview: Texas Rangers (44-45) vs. San Diego Padres (47-41)

The Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres face off in the rubber match of a tightly contested three-game series at Petco Park. After the Padres took the opener in extra innings and the Rangers responded with a 7–4 win on Saturday, both clubs are looking to gain ground in their respective playoff races. This nationally televised showdown features a battle between a top rookie arm and a potential spot starter from Triple-A.

Game Details

Matchup	Texas Rangers vs San Diego Padres
Date	Sunday, July 6, 2025
First Pitch	9:10 PM ET
Venue	Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Broadcast	ESPN, Bally Sports Southwest, Bally Sports San Diego, MLB.tv
Series	Game 3 of 3-game set (Series tied 1–1)

Team Records & Recent Form

Team	Record	Last 10 Games	Division Rank
Texas Rangers	44–45	6–4	3rd in AL West
San Diego Padres	47–41	5–5	2nd in NL West

• The Rangers are 20–5 when hitting 2+ home runs in a game.
• The Padres are 33–10 when out-hitting their opponents.
• Both teams are hovering around the Wild Card bubble and need a series win to stay competitive.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Texas Rangers: Jack Leiter (4–5, 4.29 ERA)

• 65.0 IP, 68 K, 1.37 WHIP
• Coming off a strong outing: 6 IP, 1 ER, 6 K vs. Seattle
• Making his first career start against the Padres
• Needs run support—Rangers are 2–6 in his last 8 starts despite solid outings

San Diego Padres: Kyle Hart (2–2, 6.66 ERA) (Projected)

• Expected call-up from Triple-A El Paso
• Struggled in earlier MLB starts this season
• Last MLB appearance: May 28 vs. Miami (4.2 IP, 6 ER)
• Padres bullpen likely to be active early if Hart falters

Players to Watch

Texas Rangers

• Kyle Higashioka: 3-for-3, 5 RBI, HR in Saturday’s win – breakout performance
• Corey Seager: 11-for-37 (.297), 4 HR over last 10 games – heating up at the plate
• Wyatt Langford: 13 HR, 10 doubles – made three highlight-reel catches Saturday
• Marcus Semien: .265 AVG, 15 HR – consistent top-of-the-order production

San Diego Padres

• Luis Arraez: 6-for-9 in series, .290 AVG – 3-time batting champ showing elite contact skills
• Manny Machado: .292 AVG, 14 HR, 52 RBI – team leader in RBI and doubles
• Fernando Tatis Jr.: 18 HR, 17 SB – dynamic power-speed threat
• Jake Cronenworth: Walk-off hit in Game 1 – clutch performer

Injury Report Highlights

Texas Rangers

• Josh Jung – 60-day IL (wrist)
• Max Scherzer – 60-day IL (back)
• Tyler Mahle, Jacob deGrom – out for season (elbow)

San Diego Padres

• Yu Darvish – 60-day IL (elbow)
• Joe Musgrove, Michael King, Jhony Brito – all on IL
• Ryan Bergert – 15-day IL (forearm)