In a weekly segment, we'll take a look around the AL West — what's happened so far, and what's on tap in the coming days.
1. Texas Rangers (80-59) — At this point, the Rangers were hoping to have a fairly comfortable lead in the division, but losing series to the White Sox and Twins doesn't help that goal, and neither does watching the A's take three of four at Detroit and sweep Tampa Bay at home. Yu Darvish didn't do much to instill confidence on Tuesday as his wheels came off in the rubber match against Oakland to give the A's a first-place tie instead of a two-game deficit. By the time the Rangers step on the field in Anaheim to play the Angels on Friday, the A's could have a 1/2-game lead in the division as they begin a four-game set with the disAstros. Next up: Friday, 9:05 p.m., at Los Angeles Angels.
2. Oakland A's (80-59) — Brandon Moss is on a tear. Josh Donaldson is putting his body in danger to catch foul balls. The A's are just being the A's, plain and simple, and now they've caught the Rangers heading down the stretch with just three games remaining against a team with a winning record — the Rangers. That three-game series in Arlington next weekend will decide the AL West race. Next up: Today, 9:05 p.m., vs. Houston Astros.
3. Los Angeles Angels (64-74) — The Angels have failed again, and Rangers fans can take solace in that. A lot of that has been due to the Rangers' domination of the Halos this season, and it might look like easy pickings this weekend in Anaheim. But not so fast. The Angels are hot right now, having won seven of 10 and have a red-hot C.J. Wilson going Friday to open the series against his old team. The Angels can play spoiler to the Rangers, and you have to think they'd enjoy that. Next up: Today, 9:05 p.m., vs. Tampa Bay Rays.
4. Seattle Mariners (63-76) — Not much to see here. Unfortunately for Texas, they don't get to face King Felix anymore this season. That's about it. Next up: Today, 1:10 p.m., at Kansas City Royals.
5. Houston Astros (46-93) — The last time the Astros faced the A's, the A's couldn't solve them. The Rangers will hope for more of the same when they begin a four-game set in Oakland on Thursday. Next up: Today, 9:05 p.m., at Oakland A's.
