Rangers Wyatt Langford gamble delivers huge payoff but victory comes at a high cost

Wyatt Langford made an immediate positive impact for the Texas Rangers in his first game back from the injured list on Thursday night, delivering a walk-off single in the ninth inning on a 98.1 mph rocket off the left-field wall. Initial reports had Langford set to be out until after the All-Star break, but the 24-year-old recovered quicker than expected from his strained left hamstring, and the Rangers were aggressive in bringing him back into the fold as quickly as possible. The gamble certainly paid off.

Langford, who batted second as the designated hitter in the matchup, struck out three times in the game but also had a hard-hit (92 mph), 314-foot lineout to right field in his second plate appearance.

The win gave the Rangers a 47-46 record and sole possession of first place in the American League West, with a 1/2 game lead over the Seattle Mariners.

While fans should be happy about the victory, there is now a major concern heading into this weekend's Houston Astros series.

Rangers' All-Star Jacob Latz may not be available for Astros series

Jacob Latz threw 41 pitches over 1 2/3 innings in Thursday's win, allowing one hit and one walk with three strikeouts.

If it weren't for Latz, the Rangers may have lost the game. Manager Skip Schumaker wanted to do everything possible to win after a five-run seventh inning from Los Angeles tied the game. However, the left-hander may not be available for the very important Astros series this weekend because of how much he pitched Thursday night. And if he can pitch, it likely won't be until Sunday.

The Astros are just two games behind the Rangers in the AL West standings. Therefore, if the Astros sweep the Rangers at Globe Life Field this weekend, they will pass them in the standings. If Latz, who is arguably one of the best closers in baseball, isn't available for the three-game series, it could cost the Rangers their division lead.

Hopefully, Latz can at least pitch on Sunday. The left-hander has an outstanding 1.65 ERA with 18 saves and 46 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings over 34 appearances this season.

If Latz throws on Sunday, there's a good chance he won't be available to pitch in the All-Star Game at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday. Latz is the Rangers' lone All-Star representative this year. While it would be disappointing if he cannot throw in the Midsummer Classic, Rangers fans should prefer that he throws this weekend if he's needed.

The three-game series between the Astros and Rangers is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. CDT on Friday. Right-hander Cal Quantrill is expected to start for Texas, while right-hander Hunter Brown is slated to start for Houston.

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