Thursday newsletter time: Rangers still by themselves atop AL West … barely
(AP photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The two teams in close pursuit of the Rangers in the American League West both lost Wednesday, both in extra innings.
The third-place Mariners lost to the White Sox while the second-place Astros lost to the Red Sox.
As such, the Rangers will enter play tonight atop the AL West by one game over the Astros and 1 1/2 games over the Mariners.
Consider that a win for the Rangers, who are on a six-game losing streak but have been in first place by themselves for 109 games.
They were off Wednesday, which wasn’t a bad thing. They needed the day to catch up after a late flight from Phoenix that covered a couple time zones and before the open a four-game series tonight against the AL Central-leading Twins.
Minnesota is 4 1/2 games clear of Cleveland in the Central despite being only three games above .500. They have a solid starting rotation and just enough offense to stand atop a bad division, and are 36-26 at home.
The Rangers won’t have it easy. Nothing has come easy to them since their last win Aug. 16. The Twins are starting right-handers Pablo Lopez (3.51 ERA) and Sonny Gray (3.15) in the first two games while the Rangers counter with left-hander Andrew Heaney (4.27) and Dane Dunning (3.19).
The Twins haven’t named a Saturday starter, but it could be Joe Ryan as he comes off the injured list. Bailey Orr is scheduled for Sunday. Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery will start Saturday and Sunday for the Rangers.
Rangers Today business
Things are going A-OK at Rangers Today, though with the occasional hiccup.
The emails continue to be an issue, but we think we have found a workaround as we address the larger problem. Some of you might be getting emails from my personal account, and third account may yet come into play.
Apologies for any inconveniences, like not getting the emails at all, our issues might have caused. If it’s any solace, two of my email accounts aren’t getting the emails.
The latest Rangers Today Baseball Podcast episode is out. The YouTube embed is below. We have two guests, Jon Daniels and Jake DuPre. Daniels joined to help promote a cause near to both of us (more on that below) while DuPre gave insight about his Rangers Nation and plans for its future.
Our subscriber numbers continue to rise steadily on the YouTube channel. Please sign up if you haven’t already. The same goes for the Rangers Today website, which offers full access for only $5.99 a month or $60 for a year.
It’s quite a value.
Thanks for your support.
Favorite DIFD auction items
The Do It For Durrett annual event, the Do It For Durrett Doubleheader, is Friday at the Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington, and the silent auction is online and going strong.
Included are trips, golf outings and booze, but my personal favorite is a pair of Corey Seager autographed cleats. As of Thursday night, the bidding was at $480. There is also a pretty sweet Adolis Garcia autographed jersey.
All proceeds from the auction go to the Do It For Durrett Foundation, which helps area families who have experienced the sudden loss of a parent. The foundation honors Richard Durrett, the former Rangers beat man who died unexpectedly in 2014 and left behind a pregnant wife and two young kids.
Tickets to the event are still available here. Come have a great time supporting a worthy cause.
Doggy video!
Totally deserved it. Enjoy!
— out of context dogs (@contextdogs) August 24, 2023
Jeff Wilson, jeff@rangerstoday.com
Clear as a bell to me…Will Smith must not throw in the strike zone. He is simply a chase pitcher. At least the Rangers scored some runs tonight. Seems to me AAA pitchers need to get some consideration (Sborz and Smith are throwing batting practice and have been for a while). With Chapman, the Rangers are trying to get too cute. Just put the mitt middle middle and tell him to throw one of his hard pitches. He can’t hit the target to save his life, but he could get some out doing that.