Astros vs Rangers Rivalry Heats Up Again In 2023 MLB Season

Introduction

The Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros have developed an intense rivalry in recent years as they have battled for supremacy in the American League West division. As two of the top teams in the AL, their games draw plenty of attention from baseball fans across the country.

Key Players

Star players like Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Justin Verlander lead Houston while veterans like Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus pace the Rangers lineup and rotation. Both teams feature a mix of experienced vets and up-and-coming young talent.

Memorable Games

Their rivalry has already produced many iconic moments and games. In 2017, the Astros took the division title from the Rangers in dramatic fashion in the final series of the regular season. Games between these two clubs are always competitive and hard-fought.

Astros vs Rangers in 2023

As the 2023 season gets underway, the Astros and Rangers are again expected to battle for AL West supremacy. Both teams had active offseasons, loading up on talent through free agency and trades. Their 19 head-to-head matchups will go a long way in deciding the division race.

Projected Lineups

The Astros lineup remains potent after resigning AL batting champion Jose Altuve. Sluggers like Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez anchor the middle of the order. The Rangers made splashes acquiring star infielders Dansby Swanson and Matt Carpenter to lengthen their batting order.

FAQs

Who has won more games head-to-head, the Astros or the Rangers?

In recent years, the Astros have had more success head-to-head against the Rangers. Since 2017, Houston has a 38-17 record against Texas and has won the season series each year.

How many times have the Astros and Rangers made the playoffs in recent seasons?

The Astros have reached the playoffs in each of the last 6 seasons, winning 2 American League pennants and the 2017 World Series. The Rangers have only reached the playoffs once in that span, in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season where they lost in the ALDS.

What big moves did each team make in the 2023 offseason?

The Astros were able to re-sign AL batting champion Jose Altuve. The Rangers strengthened their lineup by signing All-Star shortstop Dansby Swanson and veteran slugger Matt Carpenter in free agency.

When is the first Astros vs Rangers series in 2023?

The Astros and Rangers open up their season series on April 3rd, 2023 in Houston. They will play 19 total games against each other to battle for AL West supremacy.