This is a crucial series for the Rangers. Their season is on the line. Texas was a big early-season surprise. The Rangers now, though, are in trouble having lost seven in a row.

Seattle has been worse, however. The Mariners have lost 15 of their last 18 games, including going 1-8 in their last nine games.

The Rangers had a 30-minute team meeting following their 5-3 loss to the Astros on Sunday. That defeat pushed the Rangers 6 1/2 games back in the wild-card chase. If the Rangers don't fare well in this series, they could start dealing veterans and look to rebuild for next season.

Texas starter Adrian Sampson has a chance to rejoin the Rangers' starting rotation again with a good start. He is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in four lifetime appearances versus Seattle.

The Mariners are going with Marco Gonzalez, who has a 4.48 ERA.

The Rangers have won seven of the past eight times against the Mariners.