Rangers under pressure as wild card hopes dwindle in pivotal clash with Astros
The Texas Rangers find themselves at a critical juncture as they head into game two of a vital three-game series against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Tuesday night. With their wild card aspirations hanging by a thread, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Rangers (79-72) suffered a setback on Monday, falling to the Astros (82-69) by a score of 6-3. This defeat marked their second consecutive loss and pushed them three games behind Houston for the final American League wild card spot. To keep their playoff dreams alive, the Rangers must secure victories in the remaining two games of this series.
Game Day Details
Date: Tuesday, September 16
Time: 7:10 p.m. CT
Where to Watch: Rangers Sports Network, Victory+ (Rangers); Space City Home Network (Astros)
Listen Live: 105.3 The Fan/1270 KFLC-AM (Spanish) (Rangers); KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2, TUDN 93.3 FM (Astros)
Probable Pitchers
As the Rangers gear up for this crucial matchup, they will turn to right-hander Merrill Kelly (12-7, 3.21 ERA). Kelly has been a reliable presence since joining the team after the trade deadline, and his performance will be instrumental in the coming days. In his last outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, he allowed three earned runs on ten hits over 5.2 innings, striking out six without issuing a walk. Over his last seven games, Kelly has shown impressive form, boasting a 3-1 record and a 3.19 ERA, with 35 strikeouts across 42.1 innings.
On the opposite side, the Astros have yet to announce their starter for Tuesday. Cristian Javier is set to take the mound against the Rangers’ ace Jacob deGrom on Wednesday, but the identity of Tuesday’s pitcher remains uncertain. Houston has relied on a bullpen strategy in recent games, and manager Joe Espada’s decision will likely depend on the effectiveness of the bullpen following Monday’s contest.
Injury Updates
The Rangers are navigating a challenging injury landscape as they approach the final stretch of the season. Key players are currently sidelined:
Corey Seager, SS (10-day IL, appendectomy): Seager is making progress, having jogged on Monday. The team remains hopeful for his return during their final homestand.
Marcus Semien, 2B (10-day IL, left foot fracture): Semien took batting practice on Monday, indicating strides toward recovery.
Sam Haggerty, OF (10-day IL, left ankle inflammation): Haggerty’s rehab has been stalled due to persistent soreness.
Danny Coulombe, LHP (15-day IL, left shoulder fatigue): Coulombe could potentially be activated during the Houston series.
Nathan Eovaldi, RHP (15-day IL, right rotator cuff strain): Unfortunately, Eovaldi is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.
In addition to these injuries, several players have been placed on the 60-day or season-ending IL, including Evan Carter, Josh Sborz, and Jon Gray, further complicating the Rangers’ roster as they battle for a playoff spot.
As the pressure mounts, the Rangers must rally together and find a way to reclaim momentum against their division rivals. Every game counts now, and the urgency is palpable as they strive to keep their postseason hopes alive.
