Less than a year after claiming the World Series title, the Texas Rangers seem to be acknowledging their likely absence from the playoffs this season.
As they head into Tuesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Rangers trail the Houston Astros by 11 games for first place in the American League West and are 12.5 games behind the final AL wild-card spot.
Rangers shortstop Corey Seager expressed the challenge of the situation before hitting two home runs in a 4-3 victory over the Pirates in the first game of their three-game series on Monday. “It’s definitely tough,” Seager said. “It’s hard knowing where we were and how we’re not performing as expected. We thought we would play well, but we haven’t.
Despite their win in the series opener, Texas is still on track to finish with fewer than 75 victories.
“At this point in the season, given where we are, it’s not impossible, but we have to be realistic,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy remarked.
Before their win on Monday, the Rangers had not managed to win back-to-back games since their five-game winning streak from July 21-25.
“We’re not ready to give up,” said Rangers third baseman Josh Jung. “Even though our situation isn’t ideal right now, we need to go out and compete every night. We just need to focus on winning each at-bat.”
Texas will aim for a third consecutive win when left-hander (4-0, 3.50 ERA) takes the mound on Tuesday.
In his most recent outing on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins, Bradford did not receive a decision. He gave up two runs and six hits over six innings, leaving the game tied at 2-2. The Twins went on to win 3-2 with a run in the top of the ninth.
Bradford has yet to face the Pirates in his two seasons in the majors.
The Pirates will counter with Mitch Keller (10-7, 3.95 ERA).
Keller has lost his last two starts, during which he has allowed a total of 15 runs and 15 hits over nine innings, including four home runs.
His latest performance saw him give up a season-high eight runs in an 8-2 loss to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, which was the final game of Pittsburgh’s 10-game losing streak.
“It feels like whatever I’m throwing right now is getting hit,” Keller said after the game. “I need to review what’s working, what isn’t, and why it’s happening to improve my performance.
Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton noted that there were positive aspects in Keller’s recent performances, particularly highlighting the quality of his fastball against San Diego.
“We’ll build on that,” Shelton said. “The last start was likely the best fastball he’s thrown since April. However, his off-speed pitches weren’t as effective. It’s just a matter of getting him back on track.”
Keller has yet to face the Texas Rangers in his six-year major league career.
On Monday, the Pirates recalled outfielder Billy McKinney from Triple-A Indianapolis. McKinney made a strong debut, going 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Pittsburgh third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to back inflammation.
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