Rangers Turn to Eovaldi for Series Finale vs. Orioles

Texas seeks sweep as Baltimore looks to bounce back from injury to starter Eflin

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Texas Rangers will turn to veteran right-hander Nathan Eovaldi to start the series finale against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. The Rangers are seeking a series sweep after winning the first two games, while the Orioles are looking to bounce back after losing starter Zach Eflin to an elbow injury in Tuesday's game.

Why it matters

This game marks the end of the season-opening homestand for the Orioles, who are trying to get back on track after a 2-3 start. The Rangers, on the other hand, have won four straight games and are off to a 4-1 start, led by strong pitching performances. The outcome of this game could set the tone for both teams as they head into the next phase of the young season.

The details

The Rangers made a late change to their pitching plans, opting to start Eovaldi instead of the originally scheduled Kumar Rocker. Eovaldi has a strong track record against the Orioles, going 9-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 20 career starts. Baltimore will counter with left-hander Trevor Rogers, who threw seven scoreless innings in his season debut. The Orioles will also need to make a roster move after Eflin's injury, which is expected to land him on the injured list.

  • The game is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, April 2, 2026.
  • Eovaldi will be making his second start of the season for the Rangers.
  • Rogers is making his second start of the season for the Orioles after a dominant outing in the opener.

The players

Nathan Eovaldi

A veteran right-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers who has a strong track record against the Orioles, going 9-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 20 career starts.

Trevor Rogers

A left-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who threw seven scoreless innings in his season debut and has dominated the Rangers in the past, going 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA in two starts against them last year.

Zach Eflin

The Orioles' starting pitcher from Tuesday's game who sustained a right elbow injury and is expected to be placed on the injured list.

Skip Schumaker

The manager of the Texas Rangers, who has guided the team to a 4-1 start and a four-game winning streak.

Craig Albernaz

The manager of the Baltimore Orioles, who is looking for his team to bounce back after a 2-3 start to the season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's only five games in, but it's a good start. I think it starts with the pitching. … It has been fun to watch.”

— Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers Manager

“That's what an ace does. He goes out there and sets a tone.”

— Craig Albernaz, Baltimore Orioles Manager

“I'm looking to build off it. It's a very high-energy team.”

— Danny Jansen, Texas Rangers Catcher

“Our offense did a great job of keeping us in it. They competed to the last out, and that's something we can hang our hat on.”

— Craig Albernaz, Baltimore Orioles Manager

“I'm glad to get the first one out of the way. I'm glad to connect on one.”

— Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles First Baseman

What’s next

The Orioles will need to make a roster move to replace the injured Zach Eflin, who is expected to be placed on the injured list after undergoing an MRI exam on his right elbow.

The takeaway

This game represents an important early-season test for both the Rangers and the Orioles. The Rangers are looking to continue their strong start and secure a series sweep, while the Orioles are hoping to bounce back from Eflin's injury and get their offense going against the veteran Eovaldi. The outcome could set the tone for the next phase of the season for both teams.