4 Things the Texas Rangers must do to make the playoffs

#3 Starting Pitchers have to lead the way

This team was built with a starting rotation that was the backbone of the team. That continued even after Jacob deGrom went down in April with his arm injury. Starting pitching is what Chris Young decided to trade for at the deadline. It stands to reason then that if this team is going to make the playoffs the rotation will be leading the way throughout this month.

A rotation that leads is one where the starter can be counted on to give the team six to seven innings every night. Texas is at their best when the starter gets deep into a game and takes the pressure off of the bullpen. It will help the entire rotation when Nathan Eovaldi takes his spot in the coming days. Eovaldi's return will also help the bullpen as it will likely push Andrew Heaney from the rotation into a more limited bullpen role.

The starting rotation as of September 2nd now has the best starting rotation ERA in baseball. They are currently being led by a second-half resurgence from Max Scherzer. Texas will also need strong contributions from Jordan Montgomery, Jon Gray, Dane Dunning, and when he returns Eovaldi.

Max Scherzer set the tone for the month with a six-inning, one-hit, seven strikeout performance on Friday night. It did not lead to a win unfortunately, but it did show what this team will need on a nightly basis if they expect to be able to compete in this three-team divisional race. It will be up to the rest of the staff to follow that up with strong performances of their own.