Home / Sports / Phillies & Rangers Kick Off 2026 MLB Season
Phillies & Rangers Kick Off 2026 MLB Season
26 Mar
Summary
- Phillies retain Schwarber and Realmuto, aiming for fifth straight postseason.
- Rangers welcome new manager Skip Schumaker and significant roster changes.
- Ace pitchers Cristopher Sanchez and Nathan Eovaldi set to start opener.
The 2026 Major League Baseball season commences on Thursday with the Philadelphia Phillies hosting the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia aims for a fifth consecutive postseason berth, having retained key players like designated hitter Kyle Schwarber on a five-year, $150 million deal and catcher J.T. Realmuto for three years and $45 million.
The Phillies also added outfielder Adolis Garcia and extended left-handed starters Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo. They will, however, be without starting pitcher Zack Wheeler, who is on the injured list following surgery. The Rangers, under new manager Skip Schumaker, have made significant roster moves, acquiring left-hander MacKenzie Gore and outfielder Brandon Nimmo, while signing catcher Danny Jansen.
Cristopher Sanchez, a strong contender for the NL Cy Young award last season, will take the mound for the Phillies. The Rangers will counter with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, who demonstrated exceptional performance before a rotator cuff injury curtailed his previous season. The game is available for live streaming.
