Rangers, Guardians Play Critical Series in AL Wild-Card Race

The Texas Rangers and Cleveland Guardians are facing a crucial three-game series as both teams vie for a spot in the American League wild-card race. The Rangers, struggling with 11 losses in their last 14 games and sitting 7 1/2 games behind first place in the AL West, will rely on Cy Young candidate Nathan Eovaldi, who has been outstanding this season with an 11-3 record and a 1.76 ERA. The Guardians, currently 64-62 and three games out of the wild card, have also hit a rough patch, losing five of their last six games and falling to third place in the AL Central. Cleveland will start Slade Cecconi, while Texas manager Bruce Bochy praised Eovaldi's improved pitching approach. Both teams recognize the importance of winning to control their playoff destiny as the Rangers seek to end a four-series losing streak and the Guardians aim to rebound after a tough road trip. Injury reports and player availability will be key factors as the series gets underway at Arlington.