Against the odds: Rangers seek miracle run after Astros sweep

The Texas Rangers enter the final stretch of the season with their postseason hopes dangling by the thinnest of threads. After being swept in Houston, Texas dropped to 79-74, now sitting 5.0 games back in the AL West and 4.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot. According to FanGraphs, their postseason chances have plummeted to just 3.6%.

Rangers Postseason Outlook

• Record: 79–74
   
• AL West Standing: 5.0 GB of division lead
   
• Wild Card Standing: 4.5 GB of the final spot
   
• Postseason Odds: 3.6% (FanGraphs)
   
• Remaining Schedule: 6 home (vs. Marlins, Twins), three away (at Guardians)
   

The sweep underscored the team’s struggles. Jacob deGrom surrendered five earned runs in five innings, including home runs by Jose Altuve and Jeremy Peña, while Rangers’ starters combined to give up 14 earned runs in the three-game series. The offense showed flashes — Josh Jung ripped a towering double, and Cody Freeman delivered a clutch two-out RBI single — but Texas stranded runners in crucial moments, a theme that has haunted them throughout September.

Manager Bruce Bochy didn’t sugarcoat the situation. “We know our backs are to the wall,” Bochy admitted. “That’s how we have to look at it.”

Players share that same blunt assessment. Outfielder Joc Pederson acknowledged the uphill climb: “We kind of have to play perfect on the way out just to have a fighting chance.” Rookie standout Wyatt Langford echoed the sentiment: “I don’t really know exactly where we stand, but I’m sure we probably have to win pretty much every game.”

That’s the reality. To have any shot, Texas must dominate its remaining slate — six games at home against Miami and Minnesota, followed by a road trip to Cleveland. Beyond their own results, they’ll need help. The Red Sox, Mariners, and Guardians all sit ahead in the Wild Card chase, meaning Texas must rely on those clubs faltering down the stretch.

It’s a daunting scenario, but the Rangers aren’t ready to pack it in. This team has shown fight all year, and in baseball, strange things can happen in September. For Texas, the path may be narrow, but it still exists. Whether the Rangers author a stunning turnaround or see their hopes fade for good, the coming days will determine if this season ends in heartbreak or with a miracle run.