​The Texas Rangers remain firmly in the hunt for the American League West title as they prepare for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.While the race remains extremely close, the Rangers find themselves chasing the Houston Astros after losing ground over the past week.Texas made only modest additions before the MLB trade deadline, primarily strengthening the bullpen rather than making a blockbuster move.President of baseball operations Chris Young made it clear he believes the roster assembled during Spring Training, along with a handful of targeted additions, is capable of carrying the Rangers back to the postseason for the first time since 2023.The Astros seized control of the division race last weekend by sweeping Texas in Houston.They have now won seven of their last 10 games and finally have a healthy starting rotation.Houston also addressed one of its biggest needs before the deadline by trading pitcher Spencer Arrighetti to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for left-handed hitter Daulton Varsho.As long as Yordan Alvarez remains in the middle of the Astros’ lineup, Houston will continue to be a dangerous opponent.Fortunately for Texas, it no longer has to worry about facing him this season, as the teams have already completed their season series.An epic division raceThe Rangers enter the day a half-game behind Houston while also occupying the final American League Wild Card spot.Because the Astros won the season series, Texas must finish at least one full game ahead of Houston to claim the division. Any tie for either the American League West title or a Wild Card berth would favor the Astros.The Rangers are not alone in the race.The Seattle Mariners remain within striking distance as well, sitting 3.5 games behind in the division standings.There are also reasons for optimism in Arlington.Texas opened the season with one of the most demanding schedules in MLB, largely due to an extended stretch of road games tied to the nearby FIFA World Cup.The schedule now shifts in the Rangers’ favor.They will play a large number of home games during the stretch run, and many of their remaining opponents have fallen out of postseason contention.The road aheadBeginning Monday, Texas will play seven games against the Los Angeles Angels over a two-week span before traveling to Sacramento to face the Athletics.The Rangers are also becoming healthier.Left-hander Cody Bradford returned Wednesday, while fellow left-hander Jordan Montgomery could rejoin the team soon. Third baseman Josh Jung is not expected to begin a rehab assignment for another 10 days, but the remainder of the lineup is largely healthy.That combination of improved health, a favorable schedule, and meaningful home games gives Texas a legitimate opportunity to remain in the division race until the final weeks of the regular season.One poor stretch, however, could quickly change everything.