The Tampa Bay Rays head to Arlington for a 7:05 PM ET first pitch on Saturday, September 5, 2026, sending Drew Rasmussen to the mound at Globe Life Field against Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom. This is a road test for a Rays squad that needs every win it can get in the final weeks of the regular season, and matching up against deGrom on any given night is among the toughest assignments in baseball. Rays fans can catch the action on Rays.TV or listen along on WDAE 95.7 FM.

Pitching Matchup: Rasmussen vs. deGrom at Globe Life Field

Drew Rasmussen gets the ball for Tampa Bay in what is a significant assignment. Rasmussen has shown the ability to miss bats and generate weak contact when he is at his best, and the Rays will need exactly that version of him on Saturday night. The Rangers counter with Jacob deGrom, who when healthy is as difficult a pitcher to square up as anyone in the game. DeGrom's combination of elite velocity and sharp breaking stuff has defined his career, and the Rays lineup will need patience and a disciplined approach to generate any kind of offensive output.

Texas Rangers Lineup the Rays Must Contain

The Rangers are running out a loaded lineup at Globe Life Field. Joc Pederson leads off at DH, followed by Corey Seager at shortstop — one of the most dangerous hitters in the American League when healthy. Wyatt Langford hits third in left field, with Brandon Nimmo cleaning up in right. Ezequiel Duran, Jake Burger, Evan Carter, Cody Freeman, and Danny Jansen round out a lineup that has legitimate run-scoring potential top to bottom. Rasmussen cannot afford to let deGrom's presence on the other side force him into rushing through his own outing.

Keys to Watch on Saturday Night

• Rasmussen's command: Globe Life Field can be a hitter-friendly environment. If Rasmussen falls behind in counts against a lineup this deep, the Rangers have the firepower to make him pay quickly.
• Getting to deGrom early: The longer deGrom stays locked in, the harder the at-bats get. The Rays need to work counts and put pressure on him in the first few innings before he fully settles in.
• Seager as the pivot point: Corey Seager hitting second is a problem. However the Rays handle the top of the Texas order will likely shape the entire complexion of this game.
• Bullpen depth: If Rasmussen exits early, Tampa Bay's bullpen management becomes critical. Every out matters this deep into the regular season.

Prediction

This is a difficult draw. deGrom is one of the premier pitching talents in the sport, and Globe Life Field is not an easy place to win. That said, the Rays have proven they can manufacture runs against elite competition, and Rasmussen is capable of keeping the game close. Expect a low-scoring, tightly contested game. The Rays will need something to break their way, but they are not without a path to a win. Edge: Rangers, 4–2, but do not be surprised if Rasmussen outduels the moment.