Texas Rangers Hold MLB Power Rankings Edge Over Seattle Mariners

While it doesn’t really mean anything, the baseball brains at ESPN believe the Texas Rangers are better than the Seattle Mariners.

Yes, barely, but still better.

The Rangers certainly hope that’s the case this weekend in Arlington, as a massive three-game series against Seattle opens Friday night at Globe Life Field. The two American League West rivals are tied for the third Wild Card spot, as well as being a half-game behind the division-leading Houston Astros.

Texas moved a spot to No. 9 in the latest MLB Power Rankings from ESPN’s panel of baseball experts.

Per ESPN:

A streaky second half continued for the Rangers last week as they swept the Blue Jays in a crucial four-game series in Toronto only to lose the next four, including a sweep at the hands of the below-.500 Guardians. Texas’ offense dried up in that series, scoring just six runs over the three games. Mitch Garver had the roughest week – going just 3-for-24 – while Corey Seager wasn’t much better, hitting just .217 over a seven-day span ending on Tuesday.

The Mariners were jumped, falling to No. 10. The Astros held steady at No. 5.

It wasn’t all bad tidings last week for the Rangers, who did win a home series against the Boston Red Sox with some notable bats, including Josh Jung, back in the lineup.

The good news for Texas came in the return of Adolis Garcia from injury. He was out less than two weeks and now is ready for the stretch run – and this up-and-down offense needs him. Now, if their bullpen can lock in, the Rangers might have a chance. Otherwise, it’ll be a long offseason.

The final push starts against Seattle. Maybe the Rangers have an edge, however slight.

You can follow Art Garcia on Twitter @ArtGarcia92.

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