As the Texas Rangers head to PNC Park on Friday, June 20, 2025, to face the Pittsburgh Pirates, baseball fans are gearing up for a pitching duel that could shape the trajectory of both struggling teams. With the Rangers holding a 36-39 record and the Pirates sitting at 30-46, this interleague matchup offers a fascinating clash between the experienced ace Jacob deGrom and the promising rookie Mike Burrows.
The Rangers come into this game looking to rebound after a tough week. They were swept by the Kansas City Royals, dropping to three games below .500 and seven games back in the AL West. Despite offensive struggles—ranking among the bottom ten in several key categories—Texas boasts a formidable pitching staff. Their team ERA stands at an impressive 3.24, second-best in the league, and they have held opponents to a .223 batting average. Jacob deGrom, who recently celebrated his 37th birthday, anchors this staff with a 2.19 ERA and a WHIP of 0.91.
DeGrom’s season has been a model of consistency and resilience. Early in the year, he admitted he wouldn’t throw as hard as he once did, and after a rocky start, he has since been dominant. Since April 18, he has thrown 67.2 innings over 11 outings, posting a 1.73 ERA and a 26.6% strikeout rate while limiting opponents to a .227 weighted on-base average (wOBA). His average fastball velocity remains in the 90th percentile at 97.1 mph, and his ability to get batters to chase out of the strike zone (32.8% chase rate) has been a key to his success.
On the other side, the Pirates are coming off a gritty doubleheader victory in Detroit on Thursday, June 19, that extended into extra innings. Their pitching staff was taxed, covering 18 innings amidst rain delays, which might leave them a bit sluggish for Friday’s contest. Pittsburgh’s offense has been a major concern, ranking second-worst in batting average (.216), isolated power (.113), and weighted runs created plus (wRC+) at 70 in June. Even the return of Bryan Reynolds from the paternity list offers only a slight boost, as he has struggled this season, hitting .222 with an 81 wRC+ over 308 plate appearances.
However, the Pirates’ pitching has shown sparks of promise. Rookie Mike Burrows, starting on Friday, has been a bright spot after a tough May. He posted a 2.51 ERA and a 31.5% strikeout rate in Triple-A before his call-up and has improved significantly in June, allowing just three runs and striking out 20 over 15 innings in his last three outings. Burrows’ confidence in his changeup has been a game-changer, as he told reporters, "I’ve got confidence that it’s going to be there every start." Despite a 4.24 ERA overall, his recent form suggests he could challenge the Rangers’ bats.
The matchup also features Mitch Keller for the Pirates on Saturday and Kumar Rocker for the Rangers, but Friday’s spotlight remains on deGrom and Burrows. DeGrom’s veteran savvy and dominant run prevention contrast with Burrows’ youthful energy and recent surge. The Rangers’ offense, led by Josh Smith (.288 batting average) and Wyatt Langford (13 home runs), will look to capitalize on any mistakes. Marcus Semien, despite a recent quiet stretch, has contributed with power and on-base skills, while the Rangers’ team ranks eighth in stolen bases, adding a dynamic element to their attack.
Meanwhile, the Pirates rely on Andrew McCutchen, who leads the team with a .267 average and seven homers, and Oneil Cruz, who has hit 13 home runs despite a .213 average. Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s consistency (.285 average) provides additional stability. The Pirates’ pitching staff holds a respectable 3.82 ERA, ranked 12th in MLB, and their WHIP ranks sixth, indicating their ability to limit baserunners despite offensive woes.
Oddsmakers heavily favor the Rangers, with a MoneyLine of -189 compared to the Pirates’ +158. The run line sets the Rangers at -1.5 (-106), and the total runs line is 7.5, with the under slightly favored at -111. Experts recommend backing the Rangers, particularly with deGrom on the mound, citing his ability to limit hits and runs. One popular prop bet is deGrom allowing under 4.5 hits, as he has done in 12 of his 14 starts this season.
Weather conditions for the game are expected to be hot with a light breeze and some light rain, which could influence gameplay but shouldn’t overshadow the pitching duel. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet PT and CW33, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.
Friday’s contest marks another chapter in two teams trying to find their footing this season. The Rangers, despite their struggles, have shown resilience behind deGrom’s arm. The Pirates, while offensively challenged, possess a pitching staff that can keep them competitive. With both teams ranking near the bottom in offensive metrics, this game could come down to which pitcher executes better on the mound.
As the action unfolds at PNC Park, fans can expect a tight, strategic battle. Will deGrom continue his Cy Young-caliber dominance? Can Burrows maintain his June surge and stifle the Rangers’ lineup? The answers will come on the diamond, but for now, the scales tip slightly toward Texas in this intriguing interleague series opener.
