ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers open their 2023 season with a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. It's the first time these two ball clubs face off on Opening Day since 2009.
The Phillies are coming off winning the National League pennant, while the Rangers enter 2023 looking to improve on their sixth straight losing season.
Texas has re-tooled its pitching rotation, headlined by their Opening Day starter, Jacob deGrom.
When is the Rangers first pitch on Opening Day?
First pitch for Opening Day is scheduled for 3:07 p.m. CT on Thursday, March 30. Fans looking to attend the game can purchase tickets here on the Rangers website.
The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Lieutenant Reuben T. Mankin, a 21-year veteran of the Texas DPS, joined by former President George W. Bush and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Lt. Mankin will be accompanied to the pitcher's mound by Rangers legend Nolan Ryan. Ivan Rodriguez will catch the ceremonial first pitch.
Here is a timeline for Opening Day:
- 11 a.m. – Globe Life Field parking lots open
- Noon – Globe Life Field gates open
- 12:05-12:55 p.m. – Rangers batting practice
- 12:55-1:45 p.m. – Phillies batting practice
- 2:39 p.m. — Introduction of Texas Rangers Baseball Hall of Fame players
- 2:43 p.m. — Introduction of Phillies
- 2:48 p.m. — Introduction of Rangers
- 2:56 p.m. — National Anthem performed by The Texas Tenors.
- 2:59 p.m. — Ceremonial first pitch by Lieutenant Reuben T. Mankin, a 21-year veteran of the Texas Department of Public Safety representing the Texas Rangers on the commemoration of the organization’s 200th anniversary. Participating with Lieutenant Mankin will be former President George W. Bush, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and former Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan. Ivan Rodriguez will catch the ceremonial first pitch.
3:07 p.m. — First pitch
How to watch the Texas Rangers on Opening Day
The game will be available on MLB.TV and on Bally Sports Southwest in Texas, as well as the radio call on 105.3 The Fan.
The three-game finale between the Rangers and Phillies will be on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball at 6 p.m. CT.
Diamond Sports, the parent company of Bally Sports Southwest, voluntarily filed for bankruptcy on March 14. Bally is the local broadcaster for most Rangers games.
In its bankruptcy announcement, Diamond Sports Group added that the Bally Sports networks "will continue to operate in the ordinary course during the Chapter 11 process."
For more information about the Bally Sports bankruptcy effect, click here.
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