Jarred Kelenic makes his Rangers debut in loss to the San Diego Padres
After signing a minor-league deal earlier in the month, outfielder Jarred Kelenic was entered into the Texas Rangers’ starting lineup in the 6-4 extra-innings loss to the San Diego Padres on Saturday at Globe Life Field.
The Rangers selected the contract of Kelenic after optioning infielder Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock. The Rangers had signed Kelenic to a minor-league deal on June 2 after he was cut from the Chicago White Sox’s roster.
Kelenic was a top prospect back in 2018 where he was drafted sixth overall. Kelenic has spent time in both the minors and majors, including time with the Mariners, Braves and White Sox, before being signed by the Rangers.
On Saturday, Kelenic made a couple routine pop-fly catches to help close out the top of the first and the top of the fifth. He then made an impressive diving catch to close out the top of the sixth.
Pitcher Nathan Eovaldi was scheduled to start for the Rangers but was scratched due to left knee soreness. MacKenzie Gore started in Eovaldi’s place. Gore pitched six innings and limited the Padres to just one run.
The Rangers offense was silent during the beginning of the game, while the defense held together. Kelenic got on base on a single just before Jake Burger homered to put the Rangers up in the seventh inning.
Kelenic’s Rangers debut ended in the ninth when he was replaced by pinch-hitter Justin Foscue.
The Padres scored two runs in the top of the eighth to tie the game. The game went to extras at 3-3.
San Diego’s Manny Machado hit a three-run home run in the top of the tenth inning that proved to be the game-winner.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker could only praise his team despite the loss. “MacKenzie was really really good today. Fastball is only getting so good, curveball is trending in the right direction and Burger with a huge hit. Felt good about the last two innings, just couldn’t get the winner,” he said.
The Rangers will have the chance to win the series on Sunday. First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m. at Globe Life Field.
This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 6:36 PM.
