Texas Rangers news: Sammy Sosa returns, Jacob deGrom historic streak, no Skenes, more

While he spent most of his career with the Chicago Cubs, Sammy Sosa was also a Texas Ranger player. Even if he wasn't a Lone Star State team member all that long. Despite being known more as a Cub, it was still good to see Sosa return to where he became one of the most feared sluggers of his generation.

Sosa was back at Wrigley on Friday for the first time in 21 years. This momentous appearance was several years in the making, as his relationship with the team was being repaired after he was unceremoniously shown the door following the 2004 season.

After the Cubs booted Sosa, he played for one year with the Baltimore Orioles and hit .252 with 21 homers in his final season in Texas. He also began his career in Arlington with half a season in 1989 before being traded to the Chicago Whitesox that year.

Jacob deGrom continues record-setting performances in Texas Rangers win over Pirates

Not only did Jacob deGrom end the Rangers' slide after they were swept by the Kansas City Royals earlier this week, but in his latest outing and win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, he continued a record streak in his starts. deGrom collected another quality start, tossing six innings of two-run ball in the Rangers' 6-2 win over the Pirates on Friday night at PNC Park. He's now logged 12 straight starts of five or more innings and two or fewer runs, the longest streak in Team history and the longest in MLB this season.

deGrom, who has had a heck of a resurgent 2025 season after years of battling injuries, also has the longest streak of such outings in the modern era of baseball.

No Paul Skenes to deal with this weekend for the Rangers

Speaking of Friday's win over the Pirates. It turns out that this could be another "get right" series for Bruce Bochy's squad. Not only are they taking on one of the worst teams in MLB, but they won't have to face off against one of the best pitchers.

Paul Skenes was initially slated to face off against Texas, but he pitched in Thursday's doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers. That means his next turn in the rotation won't come until after the weekend.

Rangers foe Cal Raleigh continues incredible run.

While the Rangers won on Friday, they didn't progress in the standings, considering the Houston Astros knocked off the Los Angeles Angels and the Seattle Mariners beat up the Cubs.

The M's got their 9-4 win thanks largely to catcher Cal Raleigh, who continued his incredible run by hitting his 28th and 29th home runs. Those blasts allowed him to pass Johnny Bench and become the catcher with the most home runs ever before the All-Star Break. And he has 14 games before that break sets in.

Raleigh has been plenty good, with 30 and 34 homers in 20223 and 2024, but he's taken his game to the next level. He's been a thorn in the side of the Texas Rangers in more than one way in 2025.