Texas Rangers: 4 players that are key to the Rangers making the playoffs

Texas suffered a schedule loss on Friday night in Cleveland. The team played Thursday night in Toronto and then set off for Cleveland after the game. They did not arrive until the early morning hours on Friday. They appeared tired and slow reacting in the batters' box against Lucas Giolito. They struck out 12 times in seven scoreless innings against Giolito. There was bound to be some let down after such a crucial series sweep against the Blue Jays. I did not think they would lose 12-3 as they did.

They did not lose any ground to Houston as the Astros lost 4-2 against the Kansas City Royals and the Mariners lost to the Dodgers 6-3. Toronto did pick up a game on Texas and is now 1.5 games ahead of Toronto. Every game matters from here to the end of the season. It will take a complete team effort to get into the playoffs. I think it is vital that they get good or great performances from these four players. If that happens they will extend their season deep into October.