Inside The Rangers

Texas Rangers Game Today (8/8/25): Preview, Lineup, How to Watch & Live Stream

The Texas Rangers begin another three-game series at home, this time hosting the NL East leading Philadelphia Phillies.
Aug 4, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien (2) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field.
Aug 4, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien (2) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Things get no easier for the Texas Rangers as they continue their nine-game homestand at Globe Life Field on Friday.

The Rangers (60-56) will host the Philadelphia Phillies (65-49) in the first game of a three-game series.

Texas is coming off winning two out of three games over the New York Yankees. The Phillies are 5-5 in their last 10 and lost their most recent game on Wednesday against Baltimore.

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The Phillies lead the NL East by 2.5 games over the New York Mets. The Rangers are 4.5 games behind Houston in the AL West and 1.5 games out of the final wild card berth.

Here is the entire preview for the game, with probable pitchers, starting lineups, how to watch and listen, injury updates and more.

How to Watch Texas Rangers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy walks off the field wearing a black hoodie and a black hat with a TX logo on both
Jul 25, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (15) walks back to the dugout during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Globe Life Field. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Game Day: Friday, Aug. 8

Game Time: 7:05 p.m. CT

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Television/Radio: Rangers: Rangers Sports Network (TV), MLB Network (out-of-market only)/105.3 The Fan/1270 KFLC-AM (Spanish); Phillies: NBCSP, MLBN (out-of-market only)/94 WIP FM, WTTM 1680 AM.


Friday’s Probable Pitchers

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Merrill Kelly throws while wearing a gray uniform with Texas on front and a blue hat with a T
Aug 2, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (23) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Phillies: LHP Cristopher Sánchez (10-3, 2.40)

Sánchez was moved up into the opener after the Phillies opted to push back Zack Wheeler two games due to shoulder soreness.

Sánchez has been excellent all season, with 145 strikeouts against 34 walks in 138.2 innings. In his last seven starts he is 4-1 with a 1.59 ERA, with 53 strikeouts and nine walks in 51 innings. He’ll be a stiff test for a Rangers lineup that has been inconsistent all season.

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Rangers: RHP Merrill Kelly (9-6, 3.22)

Kelly was the Rangers’ only starting pitching addition at the trade deadline. He made his debut last weekend in Seattle and overall, he looked the part of a quality starter. He went 5.2 innings against Seattle, as he allowed four hits, two runs and no walks. He struck out six.

He faced Philly in May while with Arizona. He allowed four hits and one run in five innings in a no-decision. He struck out two and walked none. He threw just 60 pitches.


Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager and third baseman Josh Smith celebrate a run while wearing white uniforms.
Aug 4, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) and third baseman Josh Smith (8) celebrate after Smith scores a run against the New York Yankees during the second inning at Globe Life Field. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Batting Order

Texas Rangers

Philadelphia Phillies

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Rangers Injuries

Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter swings a bat while wearing a white uniform and blue helmet
Jul 26, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter (32) follows through on an RBI triple during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Globe Life Field. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

IL, 10 or 15-day

Jake Burger, 1B (10-Day, left quad strain, placed on July 16, retractive to July 13, eligible to return): Burger is on a rehab assignment Triple-A Round Rock. The Rangers have not indicated when he’ll be activated.

Evan Carter, OF (10-Day, back spasms, placed on Aug. 2, eligible to return Aug. 12): Carter hopes to ramp up baseball activities on Friday.

Chris Martin, RHP (15-Day, left calf strain, placed on July 21, eligible to return Aug. 5): Martin played catch on Monday and hopes his next step is to throw off a mound.    

Jacob Webb, RHP (15-Day, back spasms, placed on July 30, retroactive to July 29, eligible to return on Aug. 13): The Rangers are hopeful Webb will only miss the minimum 15 days.  

IL, 60-Day or Season-Ending

Josh Sborz, RHP (60-Day, right shoulder surgery recovery, placed on Feb. 17, eligible to return): Sborz is on a minor league rehab assignment but has not pitched since July 31.  

Tyler Mahle, RHP (60-Day, right shoulder fatigue, placed on 15-day IL on June 15, retroactive to June 12, moved to 60-day IL on July 1, eligible to return mid-August): The Rangers believe Mahle will be ready to return at some point this season.

Cody Bradford, LHP (60-Day, left elbow sprain, placed on 15-day IL on March 27, transferred to 60-day IL on Feb. 8, out for season): Bradford had season-ending elbow surgery after a setback in his recovery. He should return sometime in 2026.

For more Rangers news, head over to Rangers On SI.


Published | Modified
Matthew Postins
MATT POSTINS

Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers Major League Baseball for OnSI. He also covers the Big 12 Conference for Heartland College Sports.

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