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The Texas Rangers are making a bold lineup decision ahead of Thursday's game against the New York Yankees.
The Texas Rangers made a bold lineup decision ahead of Thursday’s afternoon battle against the New York Yankees — and it involves a glove that isn’t even Joc Pederson’s.
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Pederson will start in the outfield for the first time since September 2023. The kicker? He doesn’t even own an outfield glove. Grant reported on X that Pederson is borrowing teammate Alejandro Osuna’s glove for the occasion.
Grant added context on the moment: “But for a guy in his mid-30s, who came up as an OF and was relegated to DH, he’s pretty jacked to get back out there even if it’s for a handful of innings,” posted Grant on X.
Justin Foscue will also start at second base during the Rangers vs. Yankees game today.
The Rangers enter Thursday’s contest sitting just two games under .500 at 17-19, while the New York Yankees continue to roll at 25-12, which is one of the better records in baseball this season. It’s a tough draw for a Texas team still trying to find its footing.
On the mound for the Rangers is MacKenzie Gore, who came to Texas in a blockbuster offseason trade from the Washington Nationals. The New York Yankees will counter with Paul Blackburn, at least for an inning or two.
Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch reported on X that Blackburn won’t be asked to go deep into this one:
“Look for Paul Blackburn to go once through the Rangers order this afternoon. Brendan Beck is likely to make his MLB debut as the bulk reliever, as he’s more built up and today would’ve been his day at Triple-A.”
If Beck does indeed take the ball, Thursday’s game could mark his major league debut — an added storyline worth watching.
A couple of notable names remain out of New York’s lineup. Ben Rice is sitting with a hand contusion, and Giancarlo Stanton remains sidelined as well.
The Yankees’ Captain, Aaron Judge, is penciled into the top of the order as usual. Judge is hitting .273 with 15 home runs, 28 RBIs, and five stolen baes so far in the 2026 season. Judge finished last year with 53 home runs and brought home the American League MVP award after a monster 2025 campaign.
The New York Yankees are listed as approximately -160 favorites with the first pitch scheduled for 12:35 p.m. ET Thursday.
Justin Carlucci brings 13+ years of journalism experience to Heavy. A veteran of multiple industry-leading companies, he has hosted SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio shows and contributed to the New York Post, combining traditional sports and news reporting with expertise in sports betting and fantasy sports. More about Justin Carlucci
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