STWF Sports

MLB Game Preview: Rangers, Braves Wrap Up Series with Sunday Matinee in Arlington

Home / MLB / MLB Game Preview: Rangers, Braves Wrap Up Series with Sunday Matinee in Arlington

MLB Game Preview: Rangers, Braves Wrap Up Series with Sunday Matinee in Arlington

ARLINGTON, Texas (July 27, 2025) — The Texas Rangers look to complete a sweep of the Atlanta Braves on Sunday afternoon when the two clubs clash for the final game of their interleague series at Globe Life Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2:35 p.m. EDT as Texas sends Jack Leiter (6-6, 4.27 ERA) to the mound against Atlanta’s Bryce Elder (4-6, 5.63 ERA).

After a dramatic 6-5 walk-off win in extra innings on Saturday night, the Rangers (55-50) enter Sunday riding a season-best five-game winning streak and will aim to keep momentum going as the second half playoff push intensifies. The Braves (44-59), meanwhile, have dropped four straight and are searching for answers as they struggle to keep pace in the National League East.


Rangers Rolling at Home

Texas has made Globe Life Field a stronghold once again, improving to 33-20 at home after Saturday’s thriller. The win didn’t come without concern, as second baseman Marcus Semien took a 94.6 mph fastball to the helmet early in the game but stayed in, later delivering the game-winning hit in the 10th inning.

The Rangers are 55-50 overall, sitting third in the AL West, and continuing to claw their way back into postseason contention. Despite a losing record in games where they’ve allowed a home run (23-36), the club has relied on balanced contributions up and down the lineup and a resurgent bullpen in recent weeks.

Rookie right-hander Jack Leiter takes the ball Sunday coming off a quality stretch that has seen him post a 3.68 ERA over his last four outings. The 24-year-old has racked up 76 strikeouts across 75.2 innings this season, and the Rangers are hoping he can neutralize a Braves offense that showed signs of life behind Michael Harris II’s four-hit outburst Saturday.


Braves Seek to Salvage Finale

It’s been a frustrating road trip for the Braves, who have lost six of their last eight and sit fourth in the NL East, now 15 games below .500. With a 44-59 overall record and a dismal 18-33 mark on the road, the Braves will turn to right-hander Bryce Elder, who has battled inconsistency all season long.

Elder owns a 5.63 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, and his struggles with command have led to trouble getting deep into games. However, he’s shown flashes of effectiveness and will need to bring his best against a Rangers team that’s hitting its stride offensively.

Atlanta’s biggest bright spot in Saturday’s loss was Harris II, who went 4-for-4 with a triple, double, homer and three runs scored. The young center fielder has emerged as a centerpiece of Atlanta’s retooling efforts and will again be key to any chance of a bounce-back on Sunday.


Matchup Breakdown

  • Texas Rangers

    • Record: 55-50 (3rd in AL West)

    • Home: 33-20

    • Key Player to Watch: Jonah Heim – The veteran catcher delivered a game-tying RBI double in the ninth inning on Saturday and continues to be a steady presence behind the plate.

    • X-Factor: Jack Leiter – If Leiter can command his fastball and limit damage early, he gives the Rangers a strong chance to complete the sweep.

  • Atlanta Braves

    • Record: 44-59 (4th in NL East)

    • Road: 18-33

    • Key Player to Watch: Michael Harris II – The 23-year-old is coming off one of the best offensive performances of his career and will look to stay hot.

    • X-Factor: Bryce Elder – Control will be crucial. If Elder avoids the big inning, he can keep the Braves in the game.


Odds and Outlook

According to the latest lines, the Rangers are slight favorites at -118, while the Braves sit close behind at -102. The over/under is set at 9 runs, reflecting two starters who have shown vulnerability at times this season.

With both teams trying to find consistency — Texas chasing a wild card and Atlanta looking to stop the slide — Sunday’s matinee could offer no shortage of drama.


Up Next

After Sunday’s contest, the Rangers head out on a seven-game road trip beginning Tuesday in Cleveland, while the Braves return home to host the Milwaukee Brewers in a pivotal NL Central showdown.

Fans can stream the game live on MLB.tv or watch through their local providers. Radio broadcasts are available via the Rangers and Braves team networks.

Share:
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Threads

Related Stories