Are they buyers or sellers? That’s what seems to be on the minds of Rangers media and fans. Is this team for real or for sale?

As the trade deadline nears, which is eighteen days away on July 30, it’s hard to tell if this team is in it or not. 

For the better part of the season, they have played like thoughts of playoffs aren’t dancing in their heads. But the other two teams in the American League West haven’t exactly been tearing it up, either.

The Astros started the season by going ten games under .500. At one point, the Rangers were in first, the Astros were in last, 2.5 games back.

The tables have turned. Texas went into a free fall. Now, Texas goes to Houston five games behind the Astros for second in the division and 7.5 games back of the third wild card spot in the American League.

The next three games are going to decide a lot. Sweep Houston, and the Rangers are just two games behind the Astros. Then, they have a legitimate claim to being in it. 

Get swept, and the Rangers fall to eight games behind the Astros. And they head into the All-Star break defeated and deflated. And, for all intents, putting up garage sale signs around the MLB neighborhood.

After struggling at home to start the season, Houston has won nine straight home games. The Rangers have their work cut out for them. Their season will be determined in the next three games. 

*****  
TODAY’S GAME: