ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers play 16 of their final 25 games at home. That stretch begins Monday against the Athletics, two days after Texas closed a 2-4 road trip with a 7-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.
Texas entered Sunday having lost 14 of its previous 17 road games.
Winning the finale is what Rangers manager Skip Schumaker wanted before the flight home, and he is hoping it starts something for the offense in Arlington.
“It’s such a weird road trip. We won the first one and won the last one, and nothing in the middle,” Schumaker said. “So hopefully we can start a winning streak. Always nice to win the last game. It’s a lot better jumping on a flight after a win, and hopefully it starts something offensively for sure when we get back home.”
Texas Rangers’ Wild Card Position
Texas is 67-70 and second in the American League West. Houston is 69-68, 2 games ahead.
The Rangers are also 2 games behind Cleveland for the third American League wild card. Cleveland is 69-68. Baltimore is 68-69 and Toronto is 68-70. Boston holds the second wild card at 74-63. The New York Yankees are 78-59 and hold the first. Tampa Bay leads the American League at 82-54.
“Keep playing hard, keep winning games and keep trusting,” Ezequiel Durán said of the season’s final month.
President of baseball operations Chris Young set a September standard for the club on Monday, saying a month five or six games over .500 would put Texas in a good spot.
Who Comes To Globe Life Field
The homestand opens with three games against the Athletics, who are 53-84 and fourth in the American League West. Texas lost 8-3 at the Athletics on Aug. 14 in the most recent meeting between them.
The Rangers then host the Tampa Bay Rays for four games beginning Thursday. The Rays are 82-54 and lead the American League East.
Texas Rangers Roster Moves And Injuries
Before Monday’s opener, Texas placed right-handers Peyton Gray and Cole Winn on the 15-day injured list and recalled two pitchers from Triple-A Round Rock. Active rosters expand from 26 players to 28 on Tuesday.
Right-hander Carter Baumler and left-hander Robert Garcia are expected to join Round Rock this week. Nathan Eovaldi has been on the 15-day injured list since Aug. 10 with elbow inflammation. Third baseman Josh Jung could have days cut off his rehab, Young said Monday.
Jacob deGrom (9-9, 4.21 ERA) starts Monday against Gage Jump (6-8, 4.69 ERA). First pitch is 7:05 p.m. CT at Globe Life Field on Rangers Sports Network.
