Series 31 (of 52) Preview: Rangers visit Houston (x3)

The Houston Astros host the Texas Rangers for a three-game series to conclude the regular season portion before the All-Star Game.

The Astros and Rangers have already played two games this season, with the Astros winning four of seven games in the first half of April. After that three-game series, the Astros will travel to Arlington for three games between August 5 and 7.

When the two teams last met on April 14, Houston won 8-5 and improved its season record to 6-11. Jose Altuve (4, 5) hit two home runs and carried Houston’s offense with three total hits, while Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peña also had multiple hits. Cristian Javier (2-0, 1.54) earned the win with seven two-run innings. He allowed five hits and two walks, struck out five and was up 62 of 89 pitches.

We know what kind of team we have. We know how well they prepare for each and every game. These guys have been around for a long time, so they never panic. And if there’s a team that knows how to get it going, it’s this team. — Peña

Playing times and starting pitchers

Friday, 7:10 p.m. CT: Andrew Heaney (3-9, 3.80) vs. Hunter Brown (6-6, 4.48)
Saturday, 3:10 p.m. CT: Nathan Eovaldi (6-3, 3.10) vs. Spencer Arrighetti (4-7, 5.96)
Sunday, 1:10 p.m. CT: TBD vs. Ronel Blanco (9-3, 2.53)

Table position

Houston Astros: 49-44, .527, second in the AL West, 2 GB. Eighth in the American League, 2.5 GB in the wild-card race. Twelfth in the MLB. On track to go 85-77. FanGraphs projection at 86-76. Last 10: WLWWWLLWWW. Playoff odds: 61.2 percent

Texas Rangers: 44-49, .473, third in the AL West, 7 GB. Eleventh in the American League, 7.5 GB in the wild-card race. Twenty-third in the MLB. On track to go 77-85. FanGraphs projection at 80-82. Last 10: WWLLWWWWWL. Playoff odds: 9.3 percent.

With a winning streak, the Astros can start the second half of the season with six or more games above .500. Pretty good for a team that started 7-19. Since then, they’re 42-25.