Rangers prefer to take matters into own hands

By T.R. Sullivan

October 3, 2015

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers could have the D-backs do their work for them, but they would rather get it done themselves.

They have that opportunity, needing just one win over the Angels this weekend to clinch the American League West. They are still two games up with two games to play after losing to the Angels, 2-1, on Friday night and the Astros beating the D-backs.

The Rangers have afternoon games with the Angels on Saturday and Sunday. Colby Lewis, who is 1-3 with an 8.61 ERA in four starts against the Angels this season, will pitch on Saturday against left-hander Hector Santiago.

If the division is up for grabs on Sunday, it will be Cole Hamels pitching against right-hander Nick Tropeano. Hamels has not faced the Angels since 2008.

If the Rangers lose those two games and the Astros win two, there will be a one-game playoff on Monday in Arlington. The winner of that game will advance to the AL Division Series to face either the Royals or the Yankees. The losing team will fly to New York for Tuesday's AL Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser against the Yankees.

If the Astros lose either Saturday or Sunday, the Rangers will be division champions for the sixth time in club history.

T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger and listen to his podcast.