The first place Rangers have struggled mightily as of late, yet they still maintain a seven game lead in the division. Suddenly, an extraordinary team has become an ordinary team. This past week, they won two and lost five, including being swept by the Twins. They have only won three games out of their last ten, but the three other teams in the division have all only won four each in the same time frame. With 24 games left, they should not have a problem making the playoffs, but I guess you can never say “never.” One thing I know for sure is they need to start playing better or the playoffs will be over fast for the Rangers.

The Rangers are getting decimated with injuries. With less than a month to go until playoffs, the most important thing for the team is to rest and get healthy. Josh Hamilton continues to do it all, including leaping into the center field wall to make a catch. He made another one last Saturday night against the Twins and had to come out of the game. He is now out for an extended period of time with a bruised ribcage. A healthy Hamilton is a must for the playoffs. Elvis Andrus is also out a couple of games with tightness in his hamstring. The injury has been bothering him for a few weeks and caused him to leave the game Saturday after the third inning.

Cliff Lee has been scratched from his next scheduled start Tuesday because of a strained muscle in his lower back. This might not be a bad thing considering he has lost his last five starts. He has not exactly been the “Ace” we thought we were getting. They now head to Toronto for a four game series and then back home for three against the hated Yankees before hosting the Tigers for two at home.