Hold ’em: Rangers, Astros heat up

The Rangers are reaping the benefits of two wild winters, storming to a 29-17 start aided by imports Marcus Semien, whose .875 OPS leads American League second basemen. His double-play partner, Corey Seager, returned from the injured list with seven hits and two homers in a sweep of Colorado.

They’ve won 11 of 15 games to leap to fourth in USA TODAY Sports’ MLB power rankings. It’s rarefied air for a club that’s finished fourth or fifth in the AL West five of the past six years. Their Texas Boot rivals, the Houston Astros, are the week’s biggest movers, jumping eight spots after winning nine of 10.

1. Tampa Bay Rays (-)

h Old friend Kevin Kiermaier returns to Tropicana Field in best season yet?

2. Atlanta Braves (-)

h Body of work includes series wins over Orioles, Rangers, Mariners.

3. Baltimore Orioles (-)

h Happy 1-year anniversary, Adley Rutschman. What a ride.

4. Texas Rangers (+2)

h Top prospect Evan Carter, 20, knocking on door at Class AA.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers (-1)

h Freddie Freeman’s second trip to Atlanta should be less emotional.

6. Houston Astros (+8) h And Jose Altuve is back. 7. Arizona Diamondbacks (+2) h 20-12 vs. right-handed starters.

8. New York Yankees (+3)

h Luis Severino’s return almost as important as Aaron Judge’s. Almost.

9. Boston Red Sox (+3)

h Michael Wacha is the old friend and current Padre they may miss most.

10. Milwaukee Brewers (-4)

h Willy Adames calls shot: hits homer, strikes Arozarena pose in return to Trop.

11. Toronto Blue Jays (-5)

h 1-6 in Alek Manoah’s last 7 starts.

12. Minnesota Twins (-4)

h Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan might have to joust for All-Star starting duties.

13. New York Mets (+3)

h Sweeping doubleheader started by Scherzer and Verlander? Yep, Steve Cohen’s money still works.

14. Los Angeles Angels (+3)

h Shohei Ohtani’s .899 OPS leads team. As do his 5 wins. Totally normal.

15. Pittsburgh Pirates (-5)

h Haven’t won a series since April 30.

16. San Diego Padres (-3)

h Just as Juan Soto starts slugging, Manny Machado hits the IL.

17. Seattle Mariners (-2)

h A.J. Pollock’s .152/.207/.342 line in 87 plate appearances isn’t helping.

18. Miami Marlins (+3)

h Luis Arraez watch: .382 batting average 134 points above NL mark.

19. San Francisco Giants (+3)

h Rookie buzz won’t stop: Patrick Bailey homers in 3rd MLB game as Casey Schmitt’s grand debut continues.

20. Philadelphia Phillies (-2)

h Craig Kimbrel has 6.35 ERA but is 5-for-5 in save chances. Clearly, the man is a closer.

21. Cleveland Guardians (-1)

h Triston McKenzie tops out at 95 mph in 3-inning, scoreless rehab start.

22. Chicago Cubs (-3)

h Water finding its level?

23. Detroit Tigers (-)

h Alex Lange’s 15-game scoreless streak longest current run among relievers.

24. St. Louis Cardinals (+1)

h Willson Contreras Redemption Arc has been one wild ride.

25. Washington Nationals (+1)

h Jeimer Candelario on heater.

26. Cincinnati Reds (-2)

16-for-28 h 13 homers away from Great American Ball Park, worst road rate in majors.

27. Colorado Rockies (-)

h Cowboys 31, Broncos 10. That was the spread in Rangers’ weekend sweep.

28. Chicago White Sox (-)

h Liam Hendriks’ return will be bright spot in increasingly challenging year.

29. Kansas City Royals (-)

h Nick Pratto’s powerful campaign rumbles on amid all the losing.

30. Oakland Athletics (-)

h The record: 10-38. The run differential: -168. Power players on the Strip boosting stadium cause: Zero.

RAYMOND CARLIN III/USA TODAY SPORTS The Rangers and Ezequiel Duran had won 11 of their past 15 games entering the week.