The Boston Red Sox head to Arlington for a Thursday night clash with the Texas Rangers, first pitch set for 8:05 PM ET at Globe Life Field. Sonny Gray gets the ball for Boston against Rangers left-hander Tyler Alexander in what shapes up as a genuine pitcher's duel. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight, and the Sox need road wins like this one to close out the year on a strong note. Catch the action on NESN or listen live on WEEI 93.7.
Red Sox at Rangers: September 17, 2026 Game Preview
Probable Pitchers
Sonny Gray takes the hill for Boston. Gray has been one of the more dependable arms the Sox have leaned on this season — a veteran presence who knows how to work a lineup and eat innings when the bullpen needs a breather. The right-hander's experience and command will be essential in a road environment that can get loud fast if the Rangers put some early traffic on the bases.
Texas counters with Tyler Alexander, a crafty southpaw who makes his living with deception and changing eye levels rather than overpowering hitters. Left-handed pitching has a way of giving Boston's lineup fits if the Sox aren't disciplined at the plate, so how the Red Sox approach Alexander early in the count will set the tone for the whole night.
Keys to Watch
- Gray's command against a Rangers lineup: Texas can be aggressive early in counts. If Gray is locating his secondary pitches, this could be a comfortable outing. If he's missing spots, Globe Life Field has a way of turning mistakes into crooked numbers fast.
- Boston's plate discipline vs. Alexander: The Red Sox need to work counts against a finesse pitcher. Chasing soft stuff out of the zone is exactly how Alexander earns quick outs. Patient at-bats and working deep into counts will be the difference.
- Bullpen management: Late September means rosters are expanded and options are plentiful, but using the right arms at the right time matters just as much. How Boston manages the middle innings if Gray exits before the seventh will be critical.
- Road performance: The Sox are away from Fenway, which means no Green Monster factor and a neutral — or hostile — crowd. Staying composed and playing clean, mistake-free baseball on the road is non-negotiable in a tight ballgame.
Prediction
This one figures to be a low-scoring affair given the pitching matchup on paper. Gray has the experience edge and should be able to limit damage against a Rangers lineup in what is a meaningful late-season regular season contest. Boston's offense needs to grind out at-bats against Alexander and manufacture runs rather than waiting for a big inning. If the Red Sox take care of the ball and Gray goes six or seven strong, Boston has enough to steal this one on the road. Red Sox 3, Rangers 2.
