Texas will get one of its best pitchers back from a long-term injury when it hosts the Miami Marlins on Friday in Arlington, but it may be too late to make a difference in the Rangers' attempt to mount a final run for the postseason.

Right hander Tyler Mahle (6-3, 2.34 ERA) will return to take the ball for Texas in the opener of the three-game series after being out with shoulder fatigue since June 10. Miami will counter with right-hander Janson Junk (6-3, 4.48).

The Rangers (79-74), who have nine games left, are on the ropes in the hunt for a wild-card spot. They head home for the first contest of their final homestand on a four-game losing streak capped by a sweep by the Astros in Houston.

Texas is five games behind first-place Houston and Seattle in the American League West; both of

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