MIDLAND, Texas (Interstat) — The Arkansas Travelers and Midland RockHounds open their 2026 Texas League schedules on Thursday at Security Bank Ballpark, with both clubs looking to start fresh after lengthy offseason breaks.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 79 degrees.

The Travelers will send right-hander Wei-En Lin to the mound. Lin’s season record is 0-0, as both teams enter with identical 0-0 marks. The RockHounds’ probable starter was not announced.

This series marks the first game action for either team since last September. Arkansas concluded its 2025 campaign with a 7-1 victory at Tulsa on Sept. 14. Midland, meanwhile, last played on Sept. 24, 2025, falling 13-1 to Springfield at home.

Despite the RockHounds holding home-field advantage, a statistical projection from Interstat forecasts a tightly contested, pitcher-dominated affair. The simulator predicts a 1-0 victory for the Travelers.

The game begins a three-game set between the division rivals. The series continues Friday and Saturday in Midland before Arkansas returns home to face Wichita on April 7. Following this homestand, the RockHounds embark on a six-game road trip to Frisco starting April 7.

Player personnel for both Double-A affiliates will largely be shaped by final cuts from major league spring training, adding an element of uncertainty to the season opener. The performance of Lin, Arkansas’ announced starter, will be an early focus as he looks to build on his 2025 season.

All Texas League teams are beginning their 140-game schedules this week.