Yordan Alvarez's 12-for-25 record against Nathan Eovaldi looms large in Rangers-Astros matchup

The Texas Rangers are above .500 and in first place in the division, but this record of 55-54 is fairly pathetic for a division leader.55 wins would put them in third place in every other division.

The Rangers, despite not having a ton of big names in the lineup, have a pretty solid offense.They are hitting .245 for the year, which is good for 12th in the league.

Perhaps what I find most encouraging about them is that they are 17th in homers, meaning they are hitting for more average than relying on power.The problem is they are 23rd in runs scored.

So, they are leaving a lot of guys on base.Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi throws to a Los Angeles Angels batter during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.(AP Photo/Richard W.

Rodriguez)ZERO BS.JUST DAKICH.

TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD.DOWNLOAD NOW!The team was never really intended to be built around their offense, though.

This team is built on pitching.They have three strong arms in the rotation, meaning if they get to the postseason, they could be a tough out for anyone they face.

Tonight, they send out Nathan Eovaldi.He is not having as good of a year as last season, coming in with a 10-8 record, 4.05 ERA, and a 1.17 WHIP.

He has been slightly better on the road, but has four more road starts than at home.He has been fairly consistent over the past two months, with most starts seeing him allow three or four earned runs.

He only faced Houston once this year and allowed five earned runs in seven innings.The Houston Astros, even in a down year, have a good chance to make the postseason.They also have 55 wins, but at 55 losses, they are a half-game behind the Rangers.

They are in an interesting position because they have a guy who is having an MVP-candidate season in Yordan Alvarez, but they don't feel like a team that can win the World Series.There has been talk of this team trading guys away or adding, but my guess is they don't make ma...