Major Power Rankings Jump for Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers are being looked at as a serious contender and one of the top five teams in baseball.

At least for those who take stock in the latest ESPN.com MLB Power Rankings. In the Week 6 edition, the Rangers made another significant leap and are up to No. 5 overall.

ESPN.com pointed out the pass-the-baton team effort that’s has the Rangers leading the American League West:

It's a different hero every week for the still-in-first place Rangers. This time it's outfielder Leody Taveras, who delivered in a big way over a seven-day span ending Tuesday – going 11-for-23 (.478) during that time frame while getting on base well over 50% of the time.

The Rangers have been on a steady climb all season, with a move up in these rankings every week. Texas is winning series consistently without injured shortstop Corey Seager, who’s closing in on a return, and ace Jacob deGrom.

A few alarm bells were sounded by ESPN.com:

It's been a different story for the Rangers on the mound, as closer Andrew Heaney gave up nine runs in 11 1/3 innings over two starts. He's been wildly unpredictable in his first year with the Rangers, giving up at least two earned runs in five of his seven starts for a 5.25 ERA on the season. Without Jacob deGrom, Texas will need more from its pitching staff.

The rankings for rest of the AL West: Houston Astros (6), Los Angeles Angels (15), Seattle Mariners (16) and Oakland Athletics (30).

The Rangers continue a four-game series at the Athletics on Friday night with Martín Pérez (4-1, 3.86) on the mound. Ken Waldichuk (1-2, 7.25) goes for Oakland and first pitch is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. CT.

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