Jays/Rangers Series Preview
We have a three game series with the Rangers starting tonight. The Jays (and Rangers) are two games back of the last Wild Card spot held by the Guardians (who are tied with the White Sox for the top of the AL West, so catching with either would work, though the White Sox hold the […]
Auburn, Texas - August 21: A Texas Rangers hat is displayed during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Field on August 21, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Toronto Blue Jays will begin a three-game series against the Texas Rangers tonight. The teams are currently two games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the final Wild Card spot, with the Guardians holding the tiebreaker over the Blue Jays, while the Rangers hold the tiebreaker with the Guardians. To qualify for the playoffs, the Blue Jays must finish ahead of the Rangers.
Starting pitchers for tonight's game include Dylan Cease (11-5, 2.38) against Kumar Rocker (5-11, 4.54). On Saturday, José Soriano (12-7, 3.56) will face Cal Quantrill (9-5, 2.90), and on Sunday, the matchup remains to be determined, with a possible bullpen day featuring Spencer Arrighetti (8-9, 4.91) against Jacob deGrom (11-9, 3.79). The team's pitching staff has mixed opinions on bullpen days.
The Texas Rangers have struggled this season, ranking 11th in the AL in runs per game at 4.17, while the Blue Jays are last at 4.05. Additionally, the Rangers rank 11th in the AL in runs allowed per game at 4.30, with the Blue Jays sitting at 6th at 3.92. The Rangers have a record of 8-7 in September, following a four-game winning streak, which ended with a loss to the Boston Red Sox.
In terms of offensive production, the Rangers top hitters are Ezequiel Durán, who plays every position except catcher and has hit .268/.329/.436 with 17 home runs, 43 walks, and 131 strikeouts, boasting a 4.4 bWAR. Corey Seager, the shortstop, has a .234/.325/.434 batting average, along with 18 home runs, 44 walks, and 92 strikeouts, earning him a 3.1 bWAR.
Jake Burger, first baseman, has a .233/.305/.424 average, 26 home runs, 52 walks, and 156 strikeouts, with a 2.0 bWAR. Josh Jung, third baseman, has a .298/.361/.449 batting average, 10 home runs, 33 walks, and 73 strikeouts, and a 1.8 bWAR. Joc Pederson, designated hitter, has a .235/.329/.487 batting average, 26 home runs, 49 walks, and 102 strikeouts, with a 1.7 bWAR.
The Rangers' bullpen comprises Jacob Latz, who has a 2.11 ERA, 30 saves, and 4 blown saves, and batters hit .146/.218/.270 against him. Tyler Alexander has a 3.33 ERA, 4 saves, and 2 blown saves, with a .254/.315/.338 batting average against him. Jakob Junis has a 3.66 ERA, 6 saves, and 2 blown saves, and a .244/.309/.338 batting average against him. Lastly, Robby Ahlstrom, a left-handed pitcher, has a 6.08 ERA, 7 saves, and 1 blown save, and batters hit .264/.346/.465 against him.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
