Rangers vs. Astros Series Preview: A Lone Star Rivalry Showdown
As the Texas Rangers head to Houston for a pivotal three-game series against the Astros before the 2025 All-Star Break, the Lone Star rivalry reignites with both teams vying for AL West supremacy and Silver Boot bragging rights.
Results for “What are the Texas Rangers’ standings and stats for the 2025 season?”
Texas Rangers
3rd in AL/West
| Team | W | L | Pct | Gb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 55 | 38 | .591 | 0.0 |
2 | 48 | 45 | .516 | 7.0 |
3 | 46 | 48 | .489 | 9.5 |
4 | 45 | 48 | .484 | 10.0 |
5 | 39 | 56 | .411 | 17.0 |
The Rangers, coming off a 2023 World Series title and a disappointing 2024, aim to prove their championship pedigree wasn’t a fluke, while the Astros look to maintain their division lead.
Rangers Season Recap: A Tale of Two Units The Rangers’ 2025 season has been a mixed bag. After a lackluster 2024, manager Bruce Bochy hoped to replicate his every-other-year success from his Giants days. The pitching staff has delivered, led by co-aces Nathan Eovaldi (1.62 ERA) and Jacob deGrom (9-2, 2.29 ERA), anchoring the league’s best rotation (3.30 ERA, 1.17 WHIP). The bullpen, with Luke Jackson’s 9 saves and a 4th-ranked ERA, has also stepped up, complemented by the MLB’s top defensive unit. However, the offense has fizzled, ranking 23rd in batting average, 24th in runs scored, and 27th in OPS (.670), despite high expectations from stars like Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Adolis Garcia. A midseason hitting coach change hasn’t sparked the lineup, though the Rangers’ 86 stolen bases (4th in MLB) pose a threat. Injuries to Joc Pederson (hand), Jon Gray (wrist), Tyler Mahle (shoulder), and Cody Bradford (elbow) haven’t helped, but the team remains in the Wild Card hunt, 4 games back.
Head-to-Head and Silver Boot Stakes The Rangers and Astros are tied 2-2 in their 2025 matchups, splitting a May series in Arlington. Historically, the rivalry is razor-close, with Texas holding a 142-141 all-time edge and 12 Silver Boot titles to Houston’s 7. The 2023 ALCS, where the Rangers triumphed, still stings for Astros fans. This weekend’s games could tilt the Silver Boot race and provide momentum heading into the break.
Projected Pitching Matchups
- Friday, July 11, 7:10 PM CDT: Jack Leiter (4-6, 4.32 ERA) vs. Lance McCullers, Jr. (2-3, 5.82 ERA)
- Saturday, July 12, 6:35 PM CDT: Jacob deGrom (9-2, 2.29 ERA) vs. Framber Valdez (10-4, 2.90 ERA)
- Sunday, July 13, 1:10 PM CDT: Nathan Eovaldi (6-3, 1.62 ERA) vs. Hunter Brown (9-3, 2.21 ERA)
Key Player to Watch: Jacob deGrom DeGrom, fully recovered from past injuries, is a nightmare for hitters. His 2.29 ERA and 0.91 WHIP highlight his dominance, and in May, he shut down Houston over 8 scoreless innings. In his last six starts, he’s allowed just 8 earned runs while striking out 37. Facing Valdez on Saturday could spark another pitcher’s duel, though Houston hopes to exploit deGrom on the road.
Rangers’ Lineup and Challenges The projected lineup—Jonah Heim (C), Jake Burger (1B), Marcus Semien (2B), Josh Smith (3B), Corey Seager (SS), Wyatt Langford (LF), Evan Carter (CF), Adolis Garcia (RF), and Sam Haggerty (DH)—hasn’t clicked as expected. Josh Smith leads with a .284 BA, Langford has 14 HRs, and Garcia drives in 53 RBIs, but the unit’s inconsistency frustrates fans. Their speed on the bases, however, could challenge Houston’s catchers.
Series Outlook With both teams boasting elite defenses (Rangers #1, Astros #3 in runs allowed), expect low-scoring battles, though the rivalry’s unpredictability could lead to offensive outbursts. The Rangers’ pitching gives them an edge, but Houston’s 32-17 home record is daunting. A series win could ignite Texas’ second half, while the Astros aim to solidify their AL West lead. Injuries plague both sides—Houston’s Jake Meyers is questionable, but Christian Walker’s return bolsters them. The trade deadline looms large, and this series could shape the Rangers’ approach.
Poll: How many games will Houston win?
- 3 (Rangers reminisce about 2023)
- 2 (Rangers claim a win…and 2023)
- 1 (Rangers eye the Silver Boot lead…and 2023)
- 0 (Rangers dominate in Houston…and talk 2023)