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 (33-24) — Where do we start? Geez. The Rangers are in a bad way right now, but still hold the best record in the American League thanks to their torrid 15-4 start. Since then, the Rangers are under .500. Baseball is a game of streaks, but this is bad considering the lineup's health and the recent stretch of funk the offense has been in. With Derek Holland now on the DL, joining Neftali Feliz, the staff is looking awfully shaky. The Rangers have won just four of their last 10 and are really relying on Yu Darvish to not only get a win to split the series today but to go deep in the game and spare the bullpen some innings with the rough waters that seemingly lie ahead for them. The fact that the Rangers have to win today to split a four-gamer with the A's just goes to show where this thing is right now. Next up: Today, 2:35 p.m., at Oakland A's.
2. Los Angeles Angels (29-29) — After taking two of three from the Rangers at home, the Angels have now lost two of three to the Seattle Mariners at home. It just seems to be one step forward and one or two steps back for the Angels this year. Their offense has seemingly turned things around but the Jered Weaver to the DL thing certainly hasn't been a huge help for their starting rotation. They have the luxury of a Thursday off-day before resuming action on Friday. Next up: Friday, 7:40 p.m., at Colorado Rockies.
3. Seattle Mariners (26-23) — The Mariners continue to play well against the good teams in the division, as they just won a series in Anaheim against the Angels and have given the Rangers some trouble this year, as well. Over their last 10, they've won five, and now will take on the team with the best record in all of baseball. Next up: Friday, 9:10 p.m., vs. Los Angeles Dodgers.
4. Oakland A's (25-32) — The A's have won three of their last 10 games, and two of those wins have come against the Rangers as rookie Jarrod Parker nearly no-hit the Rangers two nights before geriatric Bartolo Colon shut them out on Wednesday night. The A's have Brandon McCarthy going today, who's been nearly unhittable at home as they'll look to take three of four from the two-time defending AL champs. Next up: Today, 2:35 p.m., vs. Texas Rangers.
