Rangers’ AL West window cracks open after a scare for rival's closer

While it seems unlikely that the Texas Rangers will catch the Houston Astros in the AL West race, their rival suffered an injury and potential loss that could change things up. The division leader's closer, Josh Hader, is having some shoulder issues, and for now, it's not remotely clear just what the problem is or how long he'll be out.

While no one ever roots for injuries, the Rangers have had to deal with their own spate of lost time to some of the team's stars this season. Cory Seager, Jake Burger, Joc Pederson, Evan Carter, and Jon Gray have all missed significant time. Cy Young candidate Nathan Eovaldi has missed some starts as well. If Hader has to miss time, it opens up a chance for Texas to make a run.

Texas Rangers rival manager Joe Espada said after Houston's 7-6 win over the Red Sox that the left-hander said "he just did not feel right" after a workout Monday, and the Astros sent him for testing.

"He walked in today and he was doing his [plyometrics] before doing his throwing program and just did not feel right," Astros manager Joe Espada said. "We went ahead and got some testing done, and we’re waiting on the results and should know something more tomorrow."

Josh Hader has been stellar for most of the season. However, he did struggle a bit in July as he posted a 4.09 ERA for the month after not having an earned run average over 2.00 in any month prior. The Texas Rangers' rival's closer may have been having some issues for a bit that finally surfaced enough for him to notice.