Texas Rangers Hold in Power Rankings After Tough Week

Even after a losing week, the Texas Rangers remained second in the latest ESPN MLB Power Rankings.

© Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The week didn’t go the way the Texas Rangers wanted, but their body of work over the course of the season continues to impress.

The Rangers, despite losing series to the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels, remained No. 2 in the latest MLB Power Rankings from ESPN’s panel of baseball experts.

Per ESPN:

It wasn’t the best week for the Rangers, yet they maintained a healthy lead over second-place Houston thanks to a deep offense, led by Corey Seager. The veteran shortstop was 8-for-19 over a five-game stretch last week, which included a five-hit effort Saturday against the Rays. That was part of Texas’ lone win over Tampa Bay in a three-game showdown with the only team higher in our rankings.

The Rangers are in a slump, having lost six of eight after Thursday’s 5-3 setback against the Angels. The questions about the Texas pitching depth are valid, even with an early Cy Young Award contender in Nathan Eovaldi.

It’s expected the Rangers are in the market for pitching – starting or relief – leading up the trade deadline on Aug. 1. Manager Bruce Bochy fully expects to acquire bullpen help. 

Do the Rangers have enough on the mound? Last week wasn’t great, but they’ve mostly been good despite losing Jacob deGrom.

The rankings for rest of the AL West: Houston Astros (6), Angels (11), Seattle Mariners (16) and Oakland Athletics (30).

Texas (42-26) opens three-game weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. Rangers left-hander Martín Pérez (6-2, 4.67) starts the opener opposite Kevin Gausman (5-3, 3.12). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. at Globe Life Field.

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