Rule 5 Draft pick's Opening Day outing could be start of strong season for rookie

Did you know that Texas Rangers rookie reliever Carter Baumler went to high school with WNBA star Caitlin Clark?

The idea of someone making an MLB Opening Day roster not being the biggest athletic accomplishment of an athlete from their high school's graduating class is pretty insane to think about.

While Clark continues to prepare for the Indiana Fever's upcoming season, her former classmate made an Opening Day appearance out of the Rangers' bullpen against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Thursday. It wasn't a pretty outing for Baumler, but the rookie escaped the appearance unscathed.

Rangers' Carter Baumler's Opening Day outing could be start of strong season for rookie

Unfortunately, the Rangers ended up losing their season opener in Philadelphia 5-3. But at least Baumler's outing is a positive to take from the game.

Baumler, whom the Pittsburgh Pirates selected in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft from the Baltimore Orioles before dealing the righty to the Rangers, entered yesterday's game in the bottom of the eighth inning. He walked the first batter he faced, third baseman Alec Bohm, on five pitches. He then got second baseman Bryson Stott to fly out to center fielder Evan Carter on a 2-2 count.

The next batter Baumler faced is a familiar face for Rangers fans, outfielder Adolis García. García fouled the first pitch, an inside sinker. Baumler then threw back-to-back curveballs, the first for a ball and the second for a swinging strike. After throwing a 96 mph four-seamer just outside the zone to make the count 2-2, Baumler threw an absolute dot at the bottom outside corner of the zone, striking out García looking.

After striking out García, Baumler ran into trouble. The next batter, outfielder Brandon Marsh, hit a sharp ground ball to right field for a double on a hanging curveball, allowing Bohm to reach third base. The Rule 5 Draft pick then hit catcher J.T. Realmuto, loading the bases with two outs.

Despite running into trouble, Baumler escaped the inning without allowing a run, getting center fielder Justin Crawford to pop out to third baseman Josh Jung in foul territory to end the frame.

While Baumler's first MLB appearance didn't go as smoothly as he would've wished, he still managed to get some established big leaguers out and didn't allow a run. There's no doubt that Baumler was a bit nervous, as anyone would be in his situation. Now that he has an MLB appearance under his belt, his nerves should be calmed. There's a good chance he has a strong season, and maybe even earns the closer role.