One lineup decision could change everything for the Rangers on Opening Day

An unexpected position battle is developing late in Rangers spring training, gaining more and more traction as we get closer to Opening Day on March 26 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

With Andrew McCutchen being acquired just two weeks ago, a DH platoon has been emerging, particularly with McCutchen's hot bat combined with Joc Pederson's continued struggles.

There was always the notion that the former Pirate and NL MVP could potentially share time with Joc against left-handed pitchers, but it is worth monitoring whether McCutchen becomes the top DH, regardless of the match-up.

Andrew McCutchen will likely get the start at DH on opening day

To start the year, the Rangers will face one of the best left-handed pitchers in the league, Cristopher Sanchez, who went 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA, 212 Ks, and an 8 WAR over 212 innings last year. This means McCutchen will likely get the start and bat either sixth or seventh.

McCutchen has hit .290 against lefties over his long career and though that number has dipped slightly over the last several years as he has gotten older, he is still the best option Skip Schumaker has. Sanchez, however, is not your typical southpaw, so hits will probably be hard to come by.

Keep an eye on who is at DH against right-handers in the first month

The Rangers will be facing two lefties and one right-hander during the three games against the Phillies. Pederson will likely be in the lineup against Aaron Nola and will start the season platooning with McCutchen.

But it will be worth monitoring several weeks into the season - if McCutchen continues to hit well and if Pederson struggles - whether Schumaker opts to stick with the newest Ranger regardless of who is on the mound.

We know that Joc is on a very short leash after his terrible 2025 campaign, so if McCutchen comes in and forces the issue, he could end up seeing the lion's share of the DH duties over the summer.

If he can return to his 2024 form, where he hit 20 home runs and slashed .232/.328/.411, then this Ranger lineup suddenly becomes much more dangerous top-to-bottom.