Texas Rangers Wiretap

The Houston Astros have pitched several combined no-hitters. This one might have been the biggest surprise.

Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai threw six hitless innings after walking three of the first four batters he faced Monday night. Steven Okert then got three outs before Alimber Santa made his major league debut and retired the final six hitters to complete the Astros' 17th regular-season no-hitter -- four of them combined efforts -- in a 9-0 win over the Texas Rangers.

"The first inning, you never thought that this was going to be the outcome of the game," manager Joe Espada said. "Imai, he continued to compete. ... He continued to pound the zone, he fought through it. Six strong innings, and then the rest is history."

With nearly two months of the 2026 season complete, 22 players from the preseason MLB top 100 prospect list have graduated from eligibility, reshuffling the rankings ahead of what figures to be an active trade deadline season.

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jesus Made, 19, moves to the top spot after posting 90th percentile exit velocities that rank among big league averages despite playing in Double-A. His ability to control the strike zone and his defensive profile stand out, though scouts note his swing produces insufficient lift to translate his raw power into home run totals. If that changes in the second half, a significant ranking jump could follow.

Among the most notable movers is Boston Red Sox shortstop Franklin Arias, who climbs from 36th to sixth after posting improved exit velocity and lift rates while maintaining contact. Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries jumps to second after his profile helped pry All-Star closer Mason Miller from Oakland. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Seth Hernandez rises from 49th to seventh after slider and fastball shape improvements unlocked his ceiling.

Notable graduates from the list include the previous top two prospects, Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle, along with Samuel Basallo, JJ Wetherholt, Bubba Chandler, Carson Benge, Andrew Painter, and Carson Williams, among others.

Seven players currently on active big league rosters remain eligible but could graduate within weeks.

Top-50 MLB Prospects

60FV
1. Jesus Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 3)
2. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (Previous: 11)
3. Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 6)
4. Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers (Previous: 8)
5. Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers (Previous: 5)
6. Franklin Arias, SS, Boston Red Sox (Previous: 36)
7. Seth Hernandez, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 49)
8. Eli Willits, SS, Washington Nationals (Previous: 41)
9. Kade Anderson, LHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 16)
10. George Lombard Jr., SS, New York Yankees (Previous: 20)
11. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 23)
12. Walker Jenkins, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 9)
13. Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 14)
14. A.J. Ewing, CF, New York Mets (Previous: 28)
15. Rainiel Rodriguez, C, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 19)
16. Aidan Miller, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 10)
17. Ryan Sloan, RHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 24)

55 FV
18. Josue De Paula, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 21)
19. Josuar Gonzalez, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 30)
20. Ethan Salas, C, San Diego Padres (Previous: 110)
21. Ryan Waldschmidt, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 63)
22. Thomas White, LHP, Miami Marlins (Previous: 18)
23. Alfredo Duno, C, Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 29)
24. Connor Prielipp, LHP, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 54)
25. Caleb Bonemer, 3B, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 34)
26. Luis Pena, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 26)
27. Ethan Holliday, SS, Colorado Rockies (Previous: 66)
28. Liam Doyle, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 50)
29. Tyler Bremner, RHP, Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 56)
30. Theo Gillen, CF, Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 92)
31. Ralphy Velazquez, 1B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 33)
32. Jett Williams, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 32)
33. JoJo Parker, SS, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 52)
34. Zyhir Hope, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 40)

50 FV
35. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 53)
36. Jonah Tong, RHP, New York Mets (Previous: 31)
37. Noah Schultz, LHP, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 96)
38. Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 79)
39. Angel Genao, SS, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 80)
40. Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 42)
41. Jhonny Level, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 84)
42. Emmanuel Rodriguez, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 97)
43. Josh Hammond, SS, Kansas City Royals (Previous: 132)
44. Edward Florentino, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 78)
45. Eduardo Quintero, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 37)
46. Anthony Eyanson, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Previous: NR)
47. Eduardo Tait, C, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 38)
48. Didier Fuentes, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 88)
49. River Ryan, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 125)
50. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 60)

Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom earned his 1,900th career strikeout in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, becoming the second-fastest pitcher to that milestone by games and innings.

Seiya Suzuki struck out swinging on a 91.3 mph slider to end the inning after Moisés Ballesteros swung and missed on a 98.1 mph fastball for the second out.

Make it 10 wins in a row for the Chicago Cubs again. That's twice in one season -- for the first time in nine decades.

Ian Happ extended his on-base streak to 29 games, Michael Busch hit a three-run double and the Cubs clinched their second 10-game winning streak this year with a 7-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Friday night.

This is the first time since 1935 that Chicago has had two 10-game winning streaks in a season. The only time the Cubs had more was in 1906 with four.

Thursday’s series finale will be broadcast locally on SportsNet PT (Pirates feed) and RASN (Rangers feed). First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Pittsburgh Pirates (14-10) and the Texas Rangers (12-12) conclude their three-game series this Thursday, April 23, in Arlington. After splitting the first two contests—a 5-1 Rangers win followed by an 8-4 Pirates victory—tonight’s matchup serves as a decisive rubber match. The Pirates have been road warriors early in the 2026 season, holding a 6-5 record away from PNC Park, while the Rangers look to move above .500 in front of their home crowd.

The Rangers’ offense has been anchored by Brandon Nimmo, who leads the club with a .364 OBP and four home runs. He is joined by a red-hot Josh Jung, who has collected eight doubles over his last 10 games. For the Pirates, Oneil Cruz continues to be a highlight machine, leading the team with seven home runs and a .551 slugging percentage. Catch every pitch and home run live on Fubo.

The pitching duel features a clash of generations. The Rangers turn to the legendary Jacob deGrom (1-0), who has been vintage with a 2.29 ERA and 25 strikeouts in his early 2026 starts. He faces Pirates' rising star Bubba Chandler (1-1), who holds a solid 3.15 ERA and is looking to prove he can hang with the elite. You can witness this interleague finale streaming live on Fubo.

The key storyline for Texas is their pitching efficiency, as their staff ranks 9th in MLB with a 3.61 ERA. For Pittsburgh, the focus remains on their league-leading 3.34 team ERA and whether they can silence the Rangers' home bats. With both teams seeking a signature series win, expect a high-intensity battle in Arlington. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Pirates vs. Rangers Betting Odds & Predictions

The Rangers enter the series finale as home favorites. Oddsmakers are heavily favoring Jacob deGrom's track record, though the Pirates' 15-9 record against the spread (ATS) suggests they are a dangerous underdog.

Prediction: Jacob deGrom at home is traditionally a lock, and the Rangers have shown they can stifle the Pirates' bats when they find their rhythm. While Chandler is talented, the Rangers' veteran experience should edge out a narrow victory. Final Score: Rangers 4, Pirates 2.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the elite strikeout stuff of Jacob deGrom against the raw power of Oneil Cruz. Cruz’s ability to turn on high-velocity fastballs will be the primary test for deGrom early.

Texas relies on Brandon Nimmo and Josh Jung to anchor their offense. Nimmo leads the team in most on-base categories, consistently setting the table for the Rangers' power hitters.

*Recent form estimated based on last 10 games.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like SportsNet PT and RASN, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Pirates or Rangers.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Rangers as they aim to solidify their standing in the AL West.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wednesday’s series opener will be broadcast locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh (SNPT) and Rangers Sports Network (RSN). First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 PM ET (7:05 PM CT). Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Pittsburgh Pirates (13-10) look to bounce back this Wednesday, April 22, against the Texas Rangers (12-11) at Globe Life Field. After dropping the series opener on Tuesday night, Pittsburgh is eager to reclaim their footing in the NL Central. The Rangers, currently riding a four-game home winning streak, are hoping to push further above .500 and continue their climb up the AL West standings.

Pittsburgh’s offense has been powered by Brandon Lowe, who leads the team with seven home runs and 18 RBIs. Shortstop Oneil Cruz also remains a threat, coming off a strong multi-hit performance. Texas counters with Corey Seager, who anchors the lineup with five homers, and Brandon Nimmo, who has been seeing the ball well recently. Expect a competitive battle as both offenses look to exploit the Arlington air. Catch every pitch live on Fubo.

The individual matchups feature a battle of two young, high-ceiling arms. Pittsburgh turns to Braxton Ashcraft (1-1), who has been sensational with a 2.38 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. He faces Texas right-hander Jack Leiter (1-1), who possesses elite strikeout stuff but is looking to lower his 4.87 ERA. You can witness this interleague clash streaming live on Fubo.

The key storyline for the Pirates is their efficiency on the road, where they have played to a .500 record. For the Rangers, the primary focus is the health of Wyatt Langford, who left Tuesday's game with forearm stiffness. If the Rangers can maintain their offensive pressure early, they are in a prime position to take the series. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Pirates vs. Rangers Betting Odds & Predictions

The Rangers enter the series opener as slight favorites at home. Oddsmakers are backing Texas’ recent home dominance and Jack Leiter’s potential for a breakout outing, though Ashcraft’s elite metrics make this a very tight line.

Prediction: Braxton Ashcraft has the clear advantage in early-season consistency, but the Rangers are notoriously difficult to beat at home when Seager is hitting. Expect a tight contest that hinges on the bullpens. Final Score: Rangers 4, Pirates 3.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the power of Brandon Lowe against the electric stuff of Jack Leiter. Lowe’s ability to drive the ball to the gaps will be a major test for Leiter’s command early.

*Season stats as of April 22.

Texas relies on Corey Seager and Brandon Nimmo to anchor their offense, while Jack Leiter looks to stabilize a rotation missing several veteran arms.

*Estimated stats for Nimmo over last 10 games.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like SportsNet Pittsburgh and RSN, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Pirates or Rangers.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Rangers as they aim to climb the AL West standings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Monday night brings a clash of AL West rivals as the Texas Rangers (8-7) visit the Oakland Athletics (8-7) at their transitional home in West Sacramento. Both teams enter the series with identical records, but very different vibes: Texas is looking to find the veteran consistency that has eluded them early on, while the Athletics have been one of the biggest surprises of 2026, playing a gritty "small ball" style that has them competing at the top of the division.

The Rangers come into this series after a high-profile split with the Dodgers, fueled by a scorching start from new addition Brandon Nimmo, who is batting .367. However, the pitching has been a concern, particularly for tonight's starter Nathan Eovaldi, who is looking to lower a ballooned 7.98 ERA. The Athletics counter with Luis Severino, who has been part of a rotation that recently shut down the Mets in a 1-0 gem. Catch every pitch of this divisional battle live on Fubo.

Rangers vs. Athletics Betting Odds & Predictions

Texas opens as the favorite on the moneyline, though the Athletics' recent 83% victory rate in their last six games has made this a tighter spread than usual. Oddsmakers are leaning toward a higher-scoring affair given Eovaldi's early-season struggles.

Prediction: While the Athletics are playing with massive momentum, Nathan Eovaldi is a veteran who typically finds his form under the lights of a divisional rivalry. Expect Nimmo and Seager to provide just enough run support to overcome the scrappy A's defense. Final Score: Rangers 6, Athletics 4.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the elite on-base ability of Brandon Nimmo against the veteran arm of Luis Severino. Nimmo enters the game on a four-game hitting streak and currently ranks 3rd in the MLB in batting average.

Oakland relies on Shea Langeliers to anchor the middle of the order. Langeliers is off to a scorching start, currently ranking 15th in the majors in slugging percentage.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like RSN and NBCS-BA+, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Rangers or Athletics.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Athletics as they aim for a surprising postseason push.

Frequently Asked Questions

Friday’s series opener will be broadcast locally on SportsNet LA (Dodgers feed) and CW33 (Rangers feed). First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (9-3) return to Chavez Ravine this Friday, April 10, to kick off a three-game interleague set against the Texas Rangers (7-5). The Dodgers currently boast the most prolific offense in baseball, averaging nearly 7 runs per game. However, they'll have to maintain that pace without superstar Mookie Betts, who was recently placed on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain.

The Rangers arrive in Los Angeles fresh off a sweep of the Mariners, powered by the elite contact hitting of Brandon Nimmo and the power of former Dodger Corey Seager. While Texas is missing key rotation pieces like Jordan Montgomery, their bullpen has been a top-five unit in the American League early in this 2026 season. Catch every strikeout and home run live on Fubo.

The pitching duel features Tyler Glasnow (RHP), who has been a pillar for the L.A. rotation with 15 strikeouts over his first two starts. He faces off against the Rangers' electric young arm, Kumar Rocker (RHP). Rocker is looking for his first win of the season after a gritty outing against Cincinnati, and facing the high-octane Dodgers lineup in the Bronx will be his biggest test yet. You can witness this interleague clash streaming live on Fubo.

The defining storyline remains Shohei Ohtani's incredible start to 2026. Fresh off becoming the first 50/50 player in history, Ohtani is once again dominating as a two-way force, already posting a sub-1.00 ERA on the mound and an .896 OPS at the plate. For Texas, the key is whether Corey Seager can continue his trend of homering in his return to Dodger Stadium. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Dodgers vs. Rangers Betting Odds & Predictions

The Dodgers enter the series opener as heavy favorites. Despite the loss of Betts, their home record and Glasnow's reliability on the mound make them the choice for oddsmakers.

Prediction: While Kumar Rocker has the stuff to keep the game close early, the Dodgers' middle-of-the-order depth is currently unparalleled. Expect Ohtani and Freeman to lead a late-inning surge. Final Score: Dodgers 6, Rangers 3.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the 2025 World Series MVP Freddie Freeman against the high-octane fastball of Kumar Rocker. Rocker's slider will be the key to neutralizing the Dodgers' lefties.

The Rangers rely on the elite on-base presence of Brandon Nimmo and the power of Corey Seager to anchor an offense that ranks in the top half of the American League.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like SportsNet LA and CW33, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Dodgers or Rangers.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Dodgers as they aim for another World Series title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Major League Baseball's average salary climbed 3.4% to a record $5.34 million on Opening Day, according to an Associated Press study, with the New York Mets topping league payrolls for the fourth consecutive year at $352.2 million.

Mets outfielder Juan Soto remains the sport's highest-paid player for the second straight season at $61.9 million annually, placing him among the highest-compensated athletes across all major North American professional sports. New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger ranks second at $42.5 million, followed by Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler and Mets third baseman Bo Bichette, who are tied at $42 million. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sits fifth at $40.2 million, just ahead of Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge at $40 million.

Across sports, the top of the market is converging. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott carries an average annual value of approximately $60 million in the NFL, while Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry earns $59.6 million in the NBA this season, putting all three leagues within a narrow range at the very top of the pay scale.

The broader salary picture, however, differs considerably by sport. The NBA's average salary for roster players sits just under $14 million during the 2025-26 season, driven by smaller rosters that concentrate league revenue among fewer players. The NFL average was approximately $3.2 million in 2025, reflecting the league's significantly larger rosters. MLB's $5.34 million average falls between the two, though roster sizes in baseball and football are substantially larger than in basketball.

The Los Angeles Dodgers ranked second in MLB payroll at $316.6 million, down slightly from $319.5 million last year. Their figure would rise to $395.2 million without present-value discounting applied to deferred contracts for nine players.

MLB's average salary has grown 28 percent under the current five-year collective bargaining agreement, which expires in December, an average annual increase of 5.6%. Six clubs carried payrolls above $250 million, up from four a year ago, while eight teams fell below $100 million, an increase from five.

The Detroit Tigers posted the largest year-over-year spending increase at $64.2 million, reaching $206.7 million after signing pitcher Framber Valdez and giving a significant raise to ace Tarik Skubal through arbitration. The Minnesota Twins recorded the steepest decline, slashing $46.3 million from its Opening Day payroll to settle at $96.5 million.

The Cleveland Guardians were the MLB's lowest-spending team at $62.3 million, less than one-fifth of the Mets' total outlay.

Monday’s divisional showdown will be broadcast locally on Mariners.TV (Mariners feed) and Rangers Sports Network (Rangers feed). First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 PM ET (7:05 PM CT). Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

AL West tensions flare this Monday, April 6, as the Seattle Mariners travel to Arlington to face the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. The Mariners (4-6) are looking to climb out of an early-season hole after a slow start on the road, while the Rangers (4-5) are desperate to end a four-game skid and secure their first home win of the 2026 campaign. 

Expect a premier pitching duel as two of the league's most dominant right-handers take the mound. The Mariners are pinning their hopes on Logan Gilbert, while the Rangers counter with perennial ace Jacob deGrom. Despite early-season ERA fluctuations, both starters possess the "swing-and-miss" stuff that can neutralize even the most potent lineups. Catch every inning and every highlight live on Fubo. 

The individual matchups in this series are electric. Seattle's offense features the superstar power of Julio Rodríguez and the defensive reliability of J.P. Crawford. Texas counters with a rejuvenated core led by Corey Seager and Brandon Nimmo, who has been on a tear with a .389 batting average to start the season. With the division race already tightening up, these early head-to-head games are critical.

The pitching duel features Seattle's Logan Gilbert (0-1, 6.75 ERA) making the start, while the Rangers turn to Jacob deGrom (0-0, 5.79 ERA) to right the ship. You can witness this AL West battle streaming live on Fubo.

Texas will need to overcome a mounting injury list, particularly in their rotation, to maintain pace in the AL West. Meanwhile, the Mariners will look to exploit a Rangers bullpen that has struggled for consistency during their recent losing streak. With the roof likely closed at Globe Life Field, conditions will be perfect for a high-intensity clash. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Mariners vs. Rangers Betting Odds & Predictions

The Rangers enter as slight favorites at home, despite their current losing streak. Bettors are largely eyeing the total, as both offenses have the potential to break out in the climate-controlled environment of Arlington.

Prediction: Divisional games often come down to the bullpen. While Jacob deGrom provides an elite ceiling, the Mariners' staff has shown better overall depth early in the season. If Logan Gilbert can navigate the top of the Texas order, Seattle is well-positioned for the road upset. Final Score: Mariners 4, Rangers 2.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the power of Corey Seager against the high-octane velocity of Logan Gilbert. Both players serve as the foundational pieces for their respective clubs.

Seattle relies on the dynamic ability of Julio Rodríguez and the steady bat of Cal Raleigh to anchor their offensive production.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like Rangers Sports Network, national broadcasts on ESPN+ and FS1, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Mariners or Rangers.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Rangers as they look to return to the top of the AL West.

Frequently Asked Questions