Texas Rangers: Status Report On An Off Day

The Texas Rangers are enjoying a much-needed off day today, understanding an opportunity to clinch their division could happen soon. Their magic number is currently at 2, that is any combination of Ranger wins and Astros losses.

The Houston Astros will take on the L.A. Angles later on today in a game that could end up setting the stage for the Texas Rangers to clinch on Friday after a win against the A’s. While we wait on this off day for that opportunity to present itself, let’s take a look at what may be the biggest concern for Ranger fans.

Should you be panicking about the recent struggles by aces Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels. You can check out a more detailed reason why this is a subject here, but I say not yet. If they do not improve over their next couple of starts then worry about Yu Darvish first and Cole Hamels second.

Next point to check on would be Shin-Soo Choo and his recovery from a fractured forearm. It is appearing that he may be healthy enough to join the team by the start of the playoffs. However I would hold your horses on that just because I think it may take him a bit of time to get his timing back at the plate and make sure he is in game shape.

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If Choo was to return by that time then he will force manager Jeff Banister to have to make a decision on whether or not to bump Carlos Gomez from the lead off spot. Gomez has been doing great in that spot, he would also have to decide which outfielder to sit on the bench since Nomar Mazara has picked up his game as of late.

The most mysterious storyline would be that of relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress who has been spending time in a rehab facility following a DUI arrest on August 26th. His status remains unknown even to the team and baseball should be on the back burner as he tries to get his life in order. There is a belief within the clubhouse that he may be back during the playoffs and it would be welcomed but he would have some competition with the resent resurgence of Tanner Scheppers.

The Texas Rangers have handled almost every situation correctly this year so let’s see if they navigate these points of concerns as well as they did the others. Even with some issues going on with this team, they are still one unified unit that has the potential to capture their first World Series Championship.

Next: Texas Rangers: A Look At The Closer Position

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