Rangers clarify notable absences from first spring training lineup to calm fans' nerves

Texas Rangers open 2026 Cactus League play with game against Kansas City Royals today

The Texas Rangers open Cactus League play with a matchup against the Kansas City Royals at 2:05 p.m. CST today at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona.

We already knew veteran Nathan Eovaldi would be starting on the mound today. Fans finally get to see who will be in the starting lineup, as the Rangers announced the starting-9 this morning.

Texas Rangers clarify absence of Wyatt Langford, Brandon Nimmo from first spring training lineup to calm fans' nerves

Most of the starters today will be part of the Opening Day lineup. However, two notable players, outfielders Wyatt Langford and Brandon Nimmo, were left off today's lineup.

There's no need to worry, however. Langford and Nimmo are just fine. They just both want some time to ease into playing games regularly due to their own conditioning plans, according to The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant.

Texas Rangers' first spring training lineup features many familiar faces

As for the rest of the lineup, there aren't many surprises. There was debate as to whether Evan Carter or Langford would be the team's starting center fielder, but president of baseball operations Chris Young recently said he plans for Carter to be the primary starter at the position, per MLB Network's Tom Verducci. Carter being the starting center fielder today backs up that report.

Corey Seager at shortstop, Joc Pederson at designated hitter, Jake Burger at first base, Josh Jung at third base and Josh Smith at second base were expected. Kyle Higashioka is expected to split time with Danny Jansen at catcher this season, so it wouldn't have been surprising to see either of them start at backstop today.

Michael Helman and Alejandro Osuna should be happy they're starting today, as neither are a lock to crack the Opening Day roster. Getting as much playing time as possible this spring will help them put themselves in the best possible position to make the Opening Day team. Osuna will report to Team Mexico for the World Baseball Classic soon, and his performance during the tournament may affect his odds of making the 26-man roster as well.

The starting position players today will most likely be pulled after a couple of at-bats, as that's how spring training usually goes, especially early on. Eovaldi probably won't pitch more than a few innings, too.

For those of you who are interested, here's the Royals lineup today: