Texas Rangers news: Latest power rankings, Los Angeles Angels series, and more

Not to sound like a broken record, but this Texas Rangers team is good. They are, and because of that fact, it is not only a lot of fun but also a bit scary for us Rangers fans. When a franchise has struggled more than they have flourished, it is easy to be a pessimist and wonder when things are going to unravel. There are no guarantees in baseball, but this Rangers team is special and we are at the point in the season that people across the country are starting to take notice.

There are several different sources that have their own version of power rankings. Some go off of results and eye tests, and others incorporate more of a formula of sorts. Fangraphs is one site that utilizes a formula that they have come up with to rank all 30 MLB teams. For more on how they come up with the list, you can check out the list here. The first part of the article lays everything out. In their latest rankings, they have the Rangers at number two, only behind the Atlanta Braves. Those two clubs are also the only two teams listed in their top tier - best of the best.

MLB.com came out with their updated power rankings yesterday, August 13th. Last week the Rangers were listed in the number three spot, but actually dropped to the fourth spot this week. How can Texas drop in the power rankings after going 4-2 on a trip to the West Coast you might ask. Well, it wasn't so much what the Rangers didn't do, but what the Dodgers are doing. The only team hotter than the Rangers after the trade deadline is the LA Dodgers. After yesterday's win over the Rockies, the Dodgers are 12-1 for the month of August while the Rangers are 10-2.

The point of all of this is that the Rangers are a top four or five team in MLB and it is the middle of August. Where this season will ultimately end is a mystery for every team with playoff aspirations, but one thing is for sure, the Rangers are right in the middle of all the exciting games and chatter. This is infinitely better than the last several years.

Texas Rangers schedule versus the Los Angeles Angels

The Rangers will be hosting the Los Angeles Angels (59-60) for a three-game slate, starting this evening. At the trade deadline, the Angels stuck with their way of zigging when they should have zagged, and not only held on to Shohei Ohtani, but also added some additional pieces in an attempt to make a push for a wild card spot. They are 3-9 since that deadline. Not the results that they were hoping for.

Shohei Ohtani to skip his start against Texas Rangers

Speaking of Ohtani, he launched his 41st home run of the season yesterday, helping the team to a victory over the Astros. He currently sits second in MLB in home runs, as the Braves Matt Olson has belted 43 of his own. Ohtani should be scheduled to make a regular start on the mound against the Rangers on Wednesday night, but he has recently complained of arm fatigue and will skip that outing. So, the Rangers pitchers will still have to navigate around the bat of Ohtani, but the Rangers hitters won't have to face his devastating pitches.

With seven weeks left in the regular season, every game and every series is important. The Rangers will look to stay ahead of the competition as they shoot for another series win at home to start the week. The Angels hold a 4-3 season series advantage over Texas, and the Rangers hope to at least even up things, if not take the lead. Also, don't forget that today is Scherzday...Let's Go!