MLB Power Rankings: Both Texas Teams in the Top 10

NO. 3 TEXAS RANGERS

The Rangers continue their resurgent season with no end in sight. Along with decent pitching, Texas’ new-found success comes directly from its potent offense. They hold a four-game lead over the defending champs in the AL West coming into the break. Baseball fans rewarded the Rangers for their impressive first half of the season by voting in four of their players to start next week’s All-Star Game. Corey Seager and former Texas Tech Red Raider Josh Jung will hold down the left side of the infield, while Marcus Semien will start at second, and Jonah Heim will be behind the plate.
 

NO. 9 HOUSTON ASTROS

At 46-38, the Astros sit in second place behind the Rangers in the AL West. While the Champs might not be where they want to finish at the moment, injuries to some of their stars explain the lack of what usually is their strongest weapon, offense. Despite underwhelming performances at the plate at stretches this season, the Astros' true strength lies in its pitching. Leading up to the All-Star break, Houston leads the MLB in team ERA at 3.57. Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, and Cristian Javier make up a solid front-3 in Houston’s rotation. However, if the Astros want to repeat as World Series Champions, a feat not accomplished since the New York Yankees did it back in 2000, Houston needs more out of their offense to not only overtake the Rangers but challenge Tampa Bay and Atlanta.

Houston and Texas finish their latest four-game series on Monday afternoon at 1:05 p.m.

MLB Power-Rankings Top 10

1. Atlanta Braves
2. Tampa Bay Rays
3. Texas Rangers
4. Arizona Diamondbacks
5. Baltimore Orioles
6. L.A. Dodgers
7. Miami Marlins
8. San Francisco Giants
9. Houston Astros
10. New York Yankees