Trending Now - Eovaldi Named Opening Day Starter for Rangers

WHO:

Nathan Eovaldi, Texas Rangers pitcher

Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers manager

Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers co-ace

MacKenzie Gore, Texas Rangers pitcher

Jalen Beeks, Texas Rangers pitcher

Alexis Díaz, designated for assignment by the Rangers

WHAT:

Nathan Eovaldi named Opening Day starter for the Texas Rangers

Eovaldi will start on March 26, 2026, against the Philadelphia Phillies

Jacob deGrom will start the home opener on April 3, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds

Eovaldi has a career record of 102-84 and a 3.84 ERA over 14 seasons

Eovaldi posted an 11-3 record with a 1.73 ERA in 2025

Eovaldi has made six Opening Day starts, three with the Rangers (2024-2026) and three with the Boston Red Sox (2020-2022)

Eovaldi was shut down in August 2025 due to a rotator cuff strain

Eovaldi underwent surgery for a sports hernia in the offseason

The Rangers signed Jalen Beeks to a one-year deal and designated Alexis Díaz for assignment

WHERE:

Surprise, Arizona (location of Rangers' spring training)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (location of Opening Day game)

Arlington, Texas (location of home opener)

WHEN:

March 26, 2026 (Opening Day)

April 3, 2026 (home opener)

August 26, 2025 (date Eovaldi's season ended)

2023 (year Eovaldi and deGrom joined the Rangers)

WHY:

Eovaldi was chosen for his leadership and performance standards

The decision to start Eovaldi aligns with the team's strategy to give both Eovaldi and deGrom significant starting opportunities

HOW:

Manager Skip Schumaker made the decision based on Eovaldi's leadership and past performance

Eovaldi's selection was part of a rotation strategy that includes multiple strong pitchers

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 03:55 UTC)

Nathan Eovaldi has been named the Opening Day starter for the Texas Rangers and will take the mound on March 26 against the Philadelphia Phillies, following a strong 2025 season where he posted an impressive record of 11 wins and just 3 losses with a 1.73 ERA. Manager Skip Schumaker selected Eovaldi for his leadership and performance, which aligns with the team's strategy to maximize starting opportunities for both Eovaldi and co-ace Jacob deGrom, who will start the home opener on April 3 against the Cincinnati Reds. In a related move, the Rangers signed pitcher Jalen Beeks to a one-year deal and designated Alexis Díaz for assignment.