The April 23, 2026, game at Globe Life Field presents a fascinating clash of generations. The Pittsburgh Pirates are handing the ball to their top pitching prospect, Bubba Chandler, while the Texas Rangers counter with arguably the most dominant pitcher of his generation, Jacob deGrom. This interleague series finale is a high-stakes chess match between youthful power and veteran precision.
The Pitching Breakdown
Jacob deGrom (TEX): DeGrom has been surgical in the early stages of 2026. Entering this start with a 2.29 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP, the veteran right-hander has looked fully restored to his peak form. Through 19.2 innings, he has racked up 25 strikeouts, showcasing a four-seam fastball that still sits at 98 mph and a slider that has induced a staggering 38% whiff rate this season. His last outing—a 4.0-inning scoreless stint against Seattle—showed a pitcher whose command is currently calibrated to a different level. For deGrom, the key is the early count; he has yet to allow a walk in his first three innings of any start this year.
Bubba Chandler (PIT): The 23-year-old Chandler is the crown jewel of the Pirates’ rebuild. Possessing a triple-digit heater and an improving “sweeper,” Chandler has held his own in his first full MLB month, carrying a 3.15 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. His last start against Tampa Bay (6.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 K) was his most efficient to date. However, Chandler’s primary hurdle remains his walk rate; he has issued 13 free passes in 20.0 innings. Against a Rangers lineup that currently ranks in the top five for “pitches per plate appearance,” Chandler must find the zone early to avoid a high pitch count by the 4th inning.
Best Bets for April 23
1. Texas Rangers Moneyline (-145) The Rangers hold a distinct situational advantage. Jacob deGrom is currently the most reliable asset in baseball, and Texas’s offense has been significantly more productive at home against high-velocity righties. While the Pirates have been a “scrappy” road team, betting against a healthy deGrom in Arlington is a dangerous proposition. At -145, the price reflects a massive discrepancy in starting pitching experience and bullpen stability.
2. Under 8.0 Total Runs (-115) This is a pure “pitcher’s duel” play. DeGrom is likely to post a near-shutout performance, and Chandler, despite his walks, has been elite at inducing soft contact (limiting opponents to a .183 average). Globe Life Field is a neutral park, and with two power right-handers on the mound, the scoreboard is unlikely to be busy. Expect a 4-1 or 3-0 result.
3. Player Prop: Jacob deGrom Over 7.5 Strikeouts (+105) The Pirates’ young lineup currently carries the fourth-highest strikeout rate in the National League. DeGrom’s ability to tunnel his high-velocity heater with a devastating slider is a nightmare for hitters who haven’t faced him frequently. He has cleared the 7-strikeout mark in three of his four starts this season. Getting plus-money on a line of 7.5 for a healthy deGrom is the sharpest play on the board.
The Sharp Edge: Watch Chandler’s first-inning pitch count. If he needs more than 20 pitches to get through the top of the order, the Rangers’ “team total over” becomes a live-betting target as the Pirates will be forced to use their middle-relief earlier than intended.
Baseball Best Bets 