Cleveland Guardians, Texas Rangers gearing up for Opening Day as they meet for the 2nd time in Arizona
The Cleveland Guardians (10-13) won their second American League Central title in three seasons in 2024, advancing to the AL Championship Series, with manager Stephen Vogt earning AL Manager of the Year honors. On Tuesday night, the Guardians visit the Texas Rangers (12-11) at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona, as the Cactus League season winds down. Texas looks to bounce back after finishing just 78-84 last season in defense of the franchise’s first World Series championship in 2023. The Rangers added six bullpen arms in free agency while also making a change at first base over the winter.
How to Watch Cleveland Guardians at Texas Rangers in MLB Spring Training Today:
Game Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Game Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: MLB Network
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The Guardians added left-hander John Means to its pitching staff. Means is coming off Tommy John surgery last June and is hoping to be back by August. Another pitcher coming back from the procedure is former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber, who returned to the club on a one-year deal. Cleveland also brought back first baseman Carlos Santana and signed swing right-hander Jakob Junis on one-year deals. A three-way deal brought right-hander Luis L. Ortiz and utility man Spencer Horwitz to the club as well.
Texas brought in relievers Luke Jackson, Chris Martin, Shawn Armstrong, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb and Luis Curvelo in free agency while also adding DH Joc Pederson and catcher Kyle Higashioka on two-year deals. After acquiring first baseman Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins for three prospects, the Rangers dealt Nathanial Lowe to the Washington Nationals for another reliever, Robert Garcia.
Tyler Mahle, who made just three starts last season, gets the ball for the Rangers on Tuesday. He’s worked nine innings this spring, surrendering three runs on eight hits. Ortiz is set to start for the Guardians. In four starts in Arizona, Ortiz has a 12.66 ERA in 10.2 innings, allowing 15 runs while striking out 12. Santana’s two-run double in the first inning was all Tanner Bibee needed in a 3-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night. Bibee pitched six one-hit innings.
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