Trending Now - Rookie Baumler Surprised With Opening Day Roster Spot on Mound
WHO:
Carter Baumler, Texas Rangers pitcher
Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers manager
Chris Young, Texas Rangers general manager
Andrew McCutchen, Texas Rangers outfielder
Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young
Veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker
Rookie pitcher Carter Baumler
WHAT:
Baumler did not allow a run in 9 1/3 innings over eight Cactus League appearances, striking out 10 and walking two.
Baumler posted a combined 2.04 ERA in 39 2/3 innings across three levels in Baltimore’s farm system last season.
Baumler faced Starling Marte and Jonathan India, retiring both before the mound visit.
Baumler struck out Isaac Collins after receiving the news of his selection.
Andrew McCutchen officially made the Texas Rangers Opening Day roster after hitting .421 with a 1.297 OPS over 19 at-bats in eight games during spring training.
The Rangers announced that utility man Ezequiel Duran and outfielder Sam Haggerty would also be on the Opening Day roster.
Kumar Rocker will begin the season as the No. 5 starter in the rotation, and Jacob Latz will pitch out of the bullpen.
Carter Baumler was informed by Skip Schumaker during a mound visit that he made the Opening Day roster for the Texas Rangers.
The event occurred during an exhibition appearance.
WHERE:
Texas Rangers spring training game
WHEN:
The mound visit occurred during the fifth inning of the Rangers' exhibition game on March 23rd, 2026.
The Rangers' exhibition win against the Royals was on March 23rd, 2026.
McCutchen signed with the Rangers on March 6th, 2026.
The Rangers' exhibition win against the Royals occurred on March 23rd, 2026.
The mound visit occurred on Monday, March 23rd, 2026.
WHY:
Chris Young stated that McCutchen earned his spot on the roster due to his performance during spring training.
The purpose of the mound visit was to inform Baumler of his selection to the team.
HOW:
Baumler described the moment as “just a really cool moment” and stated, “I’m definitely not going to forget that.”
Schumaker aimed to make the announcement memorable, recalling his own call-up experience and saying, “You want to make it as memorable as you can.”
McCutchen expressed his willingness to contribute in any role the Rangers need, stating, “I told them I am at their disposal -- no matter what it is, no matter what they need from me, I’m here, and that’s what I’m here for.”
The information was conveyed directly by the manager during the game.
(UPDATED March 24, 2026 13:44 UTC)
In a standout performance, Texas Rangers pitcher Carter Baumler did not allow a run in nine and one-third innings during eight Cactus League appearances, striking out ten batters and walking two. During the fifth inning of the Rangers' exhibition game against the Royals on March 23, Baumler received the news of his selection to the major league roster, a moment he described as “just a really cool moment” that he will never forget. Manager Skip Schumaker aimed to make the announcement memorable, reflecting on his own call-up experience and emphasizing the importance of creating a lasting memory for the young pitcher.
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(UPDATED March 24, 2026 07:36 UTC)
In a significant announcement, the Texas Rangers confirmed that veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen has officially made the Opening Day roster after an impressive spring training performance, hitting .421 with a 1.297 OPS over 19 at-bats. General manager Chris Young highlighted that McCutchen earned his spot, and the team also revealed that utility man Ezequiel Duran and outfielder Sam Haggerty will join him on the roster, with Kumar Rocker set to be the No. 5 starter and Jacob Latz in the bullpen. McCutchen, who signed with the Rangers on March 6, expressed his commitment to the team, saying, “I told them I am at their disposal -- no matter what it is, no matter what they need from me, I’m here, and that’s what I’m here for.”
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(UPDATED March 24, 2026 05:42 UTC)
In an exciting moment during a spring training game on Monday, March 23, 2026, Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker informed rookie pitcher Carter Baumler that he made the Opening Day roster. This announcement took place during a mound visit, where Schumaker delivered the news directly to Baumler. The young pitcher is now set to join the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.