It was the worst of weeks. It was the best of weeks.
The Rangers headed to Oakland fresh off The Punch and ended up getting smacked in the proverbial groin, being swept in Oakland in uninspiring fashion. Not only did they lose three games, they lost their closer as well when Shawn Tolleson caved for his fourth blown save, this one while trying to protect a three-run lead.
But the schedule maker was on the Rangers’ side. After being swept the best thing you can see is Houston on the schedule.
The Astros are the Rangers’ Obamacare.
The Rangers swept the Astros for the second time this season, winning two 2–1 games before going off on Dallas Keuchel, 9–2.
Highlights of the week:
Shin-Soo Choo came off the D.L., walked twice, then landed on the bench with a pulled hamstring.
Rougned Odor stayed his execution by appealing his inevitable suspension for going postal on Jose Bautista’s jaw.
Sam Dyson replaced Tolleson as the Rangers closer and had a nail-biter in his first save opportunity.
Prince Fielder showed signs of life he hasn’t shown yet this season.
Yu Darvish pitched six innings in Frisco in what is to be his last minor league tune up.
And the Rangers are finally getting a roof.
The Rangers head home into Week 8 with a record of 25–19, a game and a half behind Seattle in the A.L. West, looking at three games against the Los Angeles Angels of Mike Trout.
Oh, and speaking of the roof, Rangers ownership is going to invest half a billion dollars into a new stadium when they have a perfectly good ballpark already.
Never never never never ever say the Rangers don’t have the money.
They have the money.
*****
TONIGHT’S GAME:
Nick Tropeano (2-2, 3.30) vs. Derek Holland (3-3, 5.63)
Game time: 7:05
How the Angels hit against Holland.
How the Rangers hit against Tropeano.