Max Scherzer Steadies Texas Rangers in Power Rankings

It didn’t take long for the deals made at the trade deadline to take root for the Texas Rangers.

The suddenly pitching-rich Rangers welcomed starters Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery into the fold, and the duo are a combined 3-1 in a Texas uniform. That boost helped propel the Rangers to a season-high eight-game winning streak (snapped Wednesday) and three straight series victories.

The latest MLB Power Rankings from ESPN’s panel of baseball experts kept Texas firm at the No. 3 spot, behind only the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles.

Per ESPN:

Max Scherzer’s debut late last week was a good one after he gave up some early runs to the White Sox. He lasted six innings total, flashing signs of the electric Scherzer as he struck out nine batters, his most in a month and one off a season high. He followed that up with another solid outing against the A’s this week. Jordan Montgomery’s first start as a Ranger was also a good one as he beat the Marlins.

The Rangers (68-47) went into Friday holding a 2.5-game lead over the No. 6 Houston Astros in the American League West. Scherzer and Jordan deserve their share of credit in helping Texas create some breathing room in the division.

The two pitchers are the boost Texas needed while it rests Nathan Eovaldi, who has been great all season. Adolis Garcia had another good week at the plate, hitting .400 while driving in four to increase his season total to 89. The Rangers haven’t given up the AL West yet and they may not – they’ve pushed back every time the second-place Astros have threatened Texas’ standing atop the division.

As for the power rankings for rest of the AL West: Seattle Mariners (9), Los Angeles Angels (20) and Oakland Athletics (30).

You can follow Art Garcia on Twitter @ArtGarcia92.

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