Rangers and Astros Rivalry Takes a New Turn as Season Winds Down

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers, under manager Bruce Bochy, will not face their rivals, the Houston Astros, again this regular season, marking a significant shift in their longstanding rivalry. The Astros, the defending World Series champions, currently sit at 59-55 and are vying for a playoff spot, trailing the Seattle Mariners in the competitive AL West. The Rangers find themselves 5.5 games behind, with the division unlikely to yield a wild card opportunity. In their recent matchup, the Astros secured a 6-4 victory, giving them a 7-6 advantage in the season series and allowing them to claim the Silver Boot trophy for the eighth consecutive year. This trophy has practical implications, as it could serve as a tiebreaker in the standings, a scenario that played out last season when the Astros edged out the Rangers for a playoff spot. Bochy emphasized the importance of focusing on winning games rather than scoreboard watching as the season progresses. The Rangers have not held first place since mid-May, a stark contrast to last season when they dominated the standings until late August. Player Nathaniel Lowe acknowledged the challenge of playing from behind this year, indicating a need for the team to regain momentum. Compounding their challenges, three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer is currently on the injured list due to arm fatigue, limiting his contributions to the team. As the season approaches its conclusion, both teams are expected to remain in contention for the AL West title, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.