Rangers Series Preview: Houston Astros

Rangers begin a quick two game series tonight against the Houston Astros. This is the last home series for the Rangers against their in-state rival. They’ll play three games in Houston after the All-Star Break to wrap up the season against Houston.

Ronald Guzman has been activated from the 7-day concussion DL and the Rangers have sent Chris Martin to Round Rock in favor of more position player depth on the bench with a number of starts dealing with leg issues (Choo, Mazara, Gallo, and Beltre.)

Tonight the Rangers will put Austin Bibens-Dirkx on the mound while the Astros put Dallas Keuchel. Tomorrow’s starting pitchers will be Lance McCullers Jr. and Mike Minor. Game time will be an hour earlier on Wednesday with a 6:05 start.

Houston is coming off a four game series against Tampa Bay in which they lost three of four, winning just the first game of the series. They’re currently 5-5 for their last 10. While the Rangers are 7-3 for their last 10 and have now one five straight series.

The last time these two faced each other was at the beginning of June, the Astros swept the Rangers in a four game set which started their seven game losing streak.

Choo comes into the series with that 42 game on base streak, he’ll start tonight as the DH.