The Rangers are out of the Arizona desert and ready for their first true challenge, facing the defending World Series champion Astros to open the 2018 season.
The two teams meet at 2:35 p.m. CT on Thursday at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers were 7-12 against their AL West and intrastate rivals last season, including 2-7 at home. Texas needs Opening Day starter Cole Hamels to get it headed back in the right direction, after it finished with a 78-84 mark last season following back-to-back division titles in 2015-16.
Projected Opening Day Lineup
1.