Rangers Stay in AL West Playoff Chase with deGrom’s Strong Return Against Mets
The Texas Rangers are keeping their playoff hopes alive in the American League West, showcasing resilience and determination as they secured an 8-3 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field. This win marked their 15th triumph in the last 19 games, a critical stretch as they prepare for an upcoming series against their division rivals, the Houston Astros.
deGrom’s Triumphant Return
The spotlight was undoubtedly on Jacob deGrom, making his first appearance in Queens since leaving the Mets after the 2022 season to join the Rangers. The ace delivered a solid performance, pitching seven innings while allowing just four hits and three earned runs, earning him the victory. His return was not only symbolic but also pivotal for Texas, as they look to establish momentum heading deeper into the season.
Supporting deGrom on offense, Dylan Moore, one of the latest additions to the Rangers, showcased his power with a home run and two RBIs. The young talents of the team also stepped up, as Cody Freeman and Michael Helman each contributed two RBIs, highlighting the depth and potential of this Texas lineup.
AL West and Wild Card Implications
As the Rangers continue to chase a playoff spot, they entered Friday’s game two games behind both the Houston Astros and the Seattle Mariners in the division standings. The playoff race is intensifying, with the Rangers also trailing by two games for the final wild card position.
The Astros maintained their grip on the division by overwhelming the Atlanta Braves, winning 11-3, while the Mariners edged past the Los Angeles Angels for the second consecutive night, winning 2-1. As a result, the standings remained tight, leaving the Rangers with a critical series against Houston looming on the horizon.
Upcoming Challenges for the Rangers
With three games scheduled against the Astros next week, the urgency for the Rangers is palpable. They have already concluded their season series against the Mariners, who currently hold the tiebreaker advantage. To secure a postseason berth, Texas must find a way to surpass at least one of these rivals, a challenge that seemed daunting just months ago when they were 11 games back in the division.
Current Standings Snapshot
As of September 12, the AL West standings are as follows:
Houston Astros: 80-68 (tied for division lead)
Seattle Mariners: 80-68 (tied for division lead)
Texas Rangers: 78-70 (2.0 games behind)
The Rangers will face a demanding schedule over the next few weeks, with their remaining games including matchups both at home and on the road against competitive teams.
Remaining Schedules
Seattle Mariners (14 games):
Sept. 13-14, 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 (14 games):
Sept. 13-14, 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 Race Update
In the wild card standings, the competition remains fierce:
New York Yankees: 82-65 (3.0 games ahead)
Boston Red Sox: 81-67 (1.5 games ahead)
Houston Astros: 80-68 (tied for last wild card)
Seattle Mariners: 80-68 (tied for last wild card)
Texas Rangers: 78-70 (2.0 games behind final berth)
As the season draws to a close, every game becomes increasingly significant for the Rangers. With deGrom back in the fold and the team firing on all cylinders, they remain a formidable contender in the bustling playoff race of the American League.
