Next two games could make or break Rangers’ season as playoff dreams hang on edge

After the 6-3 setback at the hands of the Houston Astros on Monday, the path for the Rangers to make the playoffs just got significantly more narrow.

Already two games behind the Astros, the loss put them three games out of the final American League wild card spot and puts the pressure on the team to win at least one of the remaining two to stay within shouting distance.

Realistically, the Rangers need to win both to stay in the thick of the postseason race, as they haven't gotten much help from their rivals over the past week. It appears that if Texas wants to make the playoffs, it will have to continue to play its best baseball.

Losing both games would put the Rangers in a very bad position

The worst-case scenario for the Rangers would be a sweep by the Astros, potentially putting them five games out with only nine games left to cut into that lead.

If the Rangers can rebound with wins in the next two, then they would be very much alive at just onne games out. A split doesn't help much either, as they would still find themselves three games out.

The good news is that after the Astros series, the Rangers get six winnable games at home against the Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins before heading to Cleveland for three to finish out the regular season.

The Rangers need their aces to earn their money in the next two games

Another piece of good news is that the Rangers will be sending their two most effective starting pitchers to the hill on Tuesday and Wednesday in Merrill Kelly and Jacob deGrom.

Just ten days ago, Kelly pitched seven solid innings against the Astros at Globe Life Field, allowing just one earned run and striking out seven. He will need to duplicate that effort at hitter-friendly Daikin Park.

If Kelly and the Rangers can bring home the first game, then they will turn to arguably the most talented hurler in baseball in deGrom for the series finale.

These next two games are why the Rangers paid so much to acquire Kelly and deGrom. We'll see if they can make good on those hefty salaries and keep the Rangers alive for a playoff berth.