The Mariners get a huge break ahead of showdown with AL West rival Rangers

The Seattle Mariners are finally on the board with their first series win of their 2025 campaign, grinding out three tightly contested one-run games against their long-time rivals, the Houston Astros.

Now, after a well-earned off day to regroup and reset, they prepare for what could be an even more critical early-season test: a three-game home series against the AL West-leading Texas Rangers.

This matchup has all the ingredients needed of a primetime playoff series — elite pitching and postseason-level intensity. It kicks off with a marquee duel on Friday when Bryce Miller faces off against two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom. 

But perhaps the biggest development occured before the series has even begun. Texas will be without their hottest hitter in Wyatt Langford. The 23-year-old left fielder, already making good on his former billing as a top prospect, has landed on the injured list with an oblique strain. He will miss the entire series in Seattle, a break the Mariners will gladly take.

Mariners seek advantage against division-leading Rangers missing Wyatt Langford

Langford had come out swinging this season with four home runs in 12 games. Since last September, he’s clubbed 12 long balls — fifth-most in all of baseball over that stretch. His ability to hit for power, run, defend, and get on base has been a cornerstone of Texas’ offensive production early this season.

Without Langford, the picture shifts. The Rangers’ lineup is batting just .207 with a .269 OBP as a unit, and they’re scoring exactly 3.46 runs per game — barely more than the Mariners' average of 3.38 per game. In short, both teams are struggling to get their offenses going, but Texas just lost their biggest spark plug.

Let’s be clear: the Rangers still feature a dangerous group of veteran hitters, but none have found a rhythm yet. Now, with Langford out, the pressure is squarely on those veterans to carry the load. Easier said than done against a notably stingy Mariners pitching staff at T-Mobile Park.

We're looking at quite the chess match — cold bats versus hot arms, and a three-game series that will likely be decided by the slim margins. It’s shaping up to be another tightly contested set, but this time, the Mariners hold the edge: they’re at home, they’ve found a little momentum, and they’re facing a Texas team without its most dynamic hitter.

On paper, the Rangers have the better record. But the game isn’t played on paper, and this weekend might just offer Seattle a chance to not let the standings tell the story.