Rangers Lose to Diamondbacks as Playoff Hopes Reach Critical Point
The Texas Rangers head back home on a two-game losing streak, having lost momentum they had built over the past week before arriving in Arizona.
The Rangers wrapped up their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 2-0 defeat on Wednesday, leaving them with just one win in the three-game set. Texas struggled offensively, managing only five hits and failing to capitalize with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-14. Right-hander Jack Leiter pitched well, allowing three hits and two earned runs over six innings, but the lack of run support doomed the Rangers.
Looking ahead to a crucial series with the Houston Astros starting Friday at Globe Life Field, the Rangers have set their probable pitching rotation. Merrill Kelly will take the mound in the opener, followed by Jacob deGrom and Patrick Corbin. The Astros have yet to announce their probable pitchers as they prepare for Thursday’s matchup with the New York Yankees.
After benefiting from a break on Tuesday when their AL West rivals lost, the Rangers couldn’t take advantage on Wednesday.
Rangers’ Position in AL Wild Card Race
The Rangers are still 1.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners in the AL Wild Card standings. However, for the second consecutive day, they missed an opportunity to close that gap. The Mariners also lost, extending their recent slump to six losses in their last 10 games. If the Rangers had managed to sweep the Diamondbacks, they would have been in the final AL Wild Card spot heading into their series with the Astros.
In the AL West, the Rangers, along with the Mariners, saw their playoff chances take a hit. The Houston Astros pulled out an 8-7 win over the New York Yankees, despite a late rally by the Yankees in the ninth. This victory, combined with the losses by both the Rangers and Mariners, extended Houston’s lead to four games over Seattle and 5.5 games over Texas.
The Rangers still have a shot at the AL West title, but their chances are dependent on this weekend’s series. Realistically, they need to sweep the Astros to remain in contention, which may be a tall order at this point in the season.
Texas is aiming to return to the postseason for the first time since their historic 2023 World Series victory, the first in franchise history.
AL West Standings (as of Sept. 3)
- Houston Astros: 77-63 (Magic number to clinch AL West: 19)
- Seattle Mariners: 73-67 (4.0 games behind)
- Texas Rangers: 72-69 (5.5 games behind)
Remaining Schedules
Houston Astros (22 games remaining):
- Sept. 4, vs. New York Yankees
- Sept. 5-7, at Texas
- Sept. 9-11, at Toronto
- Sept. 12-14, at Atlanta
- Sept. 15-17, vs. Texas
- Sept. 19-21, vs. Seattle
- Sept. 23-25, at Athletics
- Sept. 26-28, at Los Angeles Angels
Seattle Mariners (22 games remaining):
- Sept. 5-7, at Atlanta
- Sept. 8-10, vs. St. Louis
- Sept. 11-14, vs. Los Angeles Angels
- Sept. 16-18, at Kansas City
- Sept. 19-21, at Houston
- Sept. 23-25, vs. Colorado
- Sept. 26-28, vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Texas Rangers (21 games remaining):
- Sept. 5-7, vs. Houston
- Sept. 8-10, vs. Milwaukee
- Sept. 12-14, at New York Mets
- Sept. 15-17, at Houston
- Sept. 19-21, vs. Miami
- Sept. 23-25, vs. Minnesota
- Sept. 26-28, at Cleveland
AL Wild Card Standings
- New York Yankees: 77-62 (4.5 games ahead)
- Boston Red Sox: 78-63 (4.5 games ahead)
- Seattle Mariners: 73-67 (currently holding last Wild Card spot)
- Texas Rangers: 72-69 (1.5 games behind final Wild Card spot)
- Kansas City Royals: 70-69 (2.5 games behind final Wild Card spot)
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