The Texas Rangers were ten games out of first place in the AL West and 9.5 games out of a playoff spot entering Tuesday night's action.

Things are getting serious which means that the Rangers' health is of the utmost importance. On Tuesday, Manager Bruce Bochy dropped two key updates on pitchers on Texas' pitching staff: Tyler Mahle and Jon Gray. According to the veteran Rangers manager, Gray is headed to the injured list with a foot malady and is out for the season. Mahle is also “pretty much shut down” according to Bochy, meaning he likely will not start another game this year.

The info came during a time when Max Scherzer's injury return timeline was revealed. Jacob DeGrom could bolster the Rangers' rotation this weekend, sharing his optimistic thoughts on the recovery process.

With so much in flux, the Rangers clearly are one of the most difficult teams to predict as far the rest of their 2024 fortunes go. The time is now for Texas to make a playoff charge, with the schedule taking an interesting turn.

Rangers' schedule heats up 

Texas Rangers pitcher Jon Gray (22) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics in the third inning at Globe Life Field.
© Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Article Continues Below
More Texas Rangers News
Jul 2, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) reacts during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Rangers get huge boost with Nathan Eovaldi injury updateMike Gianakos ·
Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux (31) talks with general manager Chris Young (right) prior to a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.
The shocking transformation that has Rangers GM ‘perplexed’Owen Crisafulli ·
Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob DeGrom (right) and catcher Jonah Heim (left) prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Rangers’ Jacob deGrom’s dejected reaction to failed no-hit bidRexwell Villas ·
Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) looks in for the sign during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Globe Life Field. Cowser
Orioles fans applaud Rangers’ Jacob deGrom after near no-hitterZachary Howell ·
Rangers news: Bruce Bochy gushes about 'terrific' Jacob Latz after no-hit bid
Rangers’ Bruce Bochy gushes about ‘terrific’ Jacob Latz after no-hit bidChris Spiering ·
Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) reacts after striking out during the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Seager deGrom
3 Rangers who must be on trade block ahead of 2025 deadlineZachary Howell ·

Bochy's Rangers were scheduled to take on the New York Yankees on Tuesday night at home in a matchup that could be the canary in the coal mine as to how much fight Bochy's team still has left in its aching bones.

The Rangers have won five of seven games despite their ongoing injury woes, a testament to Bochy's job as manager and the team's deep talent pool. Texas won't be mistaken for a World Series contender anytime soon but odds are that the Rangers will pour out every ounce of their blood, sweat and tears in an effort to climb back up toward the top of the AL West.

Schedule-wise, things are set to lighten up a little bit in the near future with the Los Angeles Angels on deck for a four-game series.

Gray and Mahle's exits, revisited

Jon Gray is not a Cy Young candidate at this stage of his career but he is an innings eater with far more Ks than bases on balls. His presence will certainly be missed by the Texas managerial staff and fans.

Tyler Mahle has not been a contributor on the same level as Jon Gray but his arm will be missed on the Rangers' staff as the team continues to trudge forward in need of stringing together more than a few wins to vault itself back into playoff contention.

The weight will once again fall on Bruce Bochy to manage his team back to where he feels it belongs. Time is running out, but stranger things have happened in MLB than a rally like what it would take for the Rangers to make the playoffs.