Texas Rangers Roundup: Pitching Prospects Shine, Part-Time DH Battle Heats Up

Observations from the Rangers' spring training camp, including strong outings from Luis Curvelo and Jacob deGrom, and a competition for the final bench spot.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:20pm

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The Texas Rangers had an eventful day in spring training, with several key players making progress. Jacob deGrom pitched four scoreless innings in a minor league game, while Josh Jung and Jakob Junis also saw action. In the exhibition game, Luis Curvelo continued to impress out of the bullpen, and there's a battle brewing for the part-time designated hitter role between Andrew McCutchen and Mark Canha.

Why it matters

These developments are important for the Rangers as they finalize their roster and prepare for the upcoming season. The performances of deGrom, Curvelo, and the part-time DH candidates will all factor into the team's decisions and could have a significant impact on their success in 2026.

The details

In a minor league game, Rangers ace Jacob deGrom pitched four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out five. He is on pace to start the second game of the season and the home opener. Elsewhere, reliever Luis Curvelo continued his strong spring, striking out two in a perfect inning of work and maintaining a 10-to-0 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Meanwhile, Andrew McCutchen and Mark Canha are competing for the part-time DH role, with Canha hitting a 2-run homer and McCutchen reaching base four times.

  • On Sunday, deGrom pitched four scoreless innings in a minor league game against El Paso.
  • Junis threw one inning in the same minor league game, allowing a home run in his 13-pitch outing.
  • Jung went 1-for-3 in the minor league game, clearing the way for him to return to the Rangers' lineup.

The players

Jacob deGrom

The Rangers' ace pitcher, who is on pace to start the second game of the season and the home opener.

Luis Curvelo

A Rangers relief pitcher who is making a strong case to be part of the team's bullpen, with a 10-to-0 strikeout-to-walk ratio this spring.

Andrew McCutchen

A Rangers outfielder who is competing for the part-time designated hitter role, reaching base four times in the exhibition game.

Mark Canha

A Rangers outfielder who is also competing for the part-time designated hitter role, hitting a 2-run homer and a single in the exhibition game.

Josh Jung

A Rangers infielder who returned to the lineup after missing time due to an adductor strain.

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What they’re saying

“If the Rangers need an optionable reliever to finish out the bullpen, Luis Curvelo is making a strong case.”

— Evan Grant, Reporter (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

The Rangers will continue to evaluate their roster and make final decisions before the start of the season. Jacob deGrom is expected to make his final spring training start on the day the team breaks camp, though he may pitch in a morning minor league game due to forecast extreme heat.

The takeaway

The Rangers' spring training camp has been filled with promising developments, from the strong performances of pitching prospects like deGrom and Curvelo to the competition for the part-time DH role. These storylines will be crucial as the team finalizes its roster and prepares for the 2026 season.