Opposite dugout: Cubs are hot, but Rangers are scorching

Manager: Jeff Banister (2^nd season)

Record: 45-25

Last 10 games: 8-2

Who to watch: CF Ian Desmond (.309 average, 85 hits); 2B Rougend Odor (13 HR, 34 RBIs); RF Nomar Mazara (.293 average, 11 HR); SP Cole Hamels (7-1, 2.88 ERA); SP Colby Lewis (6-0, 2.81 ERA); SP Derek Holland (5-5, 1.35 WHIP)

Season series vs. Orioles: 2-1

Pitching probable: RHP Kevin Gausman vs. LHP Derek Holland, 8:05 p.m., MASN

Inside the Rangers:

It's easy for teams to think about the benefits of a game that gets rained out. Players can take the night off, refresh their bodies, or continue to nurse any nagging injuries or pain they may have. Making up the game later down the road? Ah, don't worry about it. That's so far away on the schedule. It seems like a great situation. That is, however, until that makeup day replaces an off-day.

For the Orioles and Rangers, welcome to the makeup game. Tonight's one-game series between these two teams replaces what was supposed to be a scheduled off-day for both teams, filing the void left by the rainout back on April 17.

The Orioles are in the more difficult position. The Birds have to interrupt a lengthy homestand to fly to Arlington for tonight's game. The Rangers, meanwhile, return from a 10-game road trip, so at least they get to be welcomed by all the comforts of home.

It seems Texas may as well enjoy staying on the road, however. The Rangers recorded an impressive 8-2 record on the road trip and currently boast the American League's best record at 45-25. They've won six straight games and are a threat both home and away from Globe Life Park, sporting a 24-10 record at home and 21-15 mark on the road.

Offensively, has there been a bigger surprise this season than center fielder Ian Desmond? Labeled as an extremely talented player with so-so results as a shortstop with the Nationals, Desmond signed with the Rangers in free agency this offseason and appears to be fitting right in in the Lone Star state. Desmond is hitting .309 this season, and leads the team in on-base percentage (.360), hits (85) and RBIs (45). Second baseman Rougend Odor is batting an impressive .276 and leads the team with 13 home runs, while ageless wonder Adrian Beltre isn't showing any signs of slowing down. The 37-year-old is hitting .278 and is third on the team with 111 total bases.

On the mound for the Rangers tonight is left-hander Derek Holland. Holland is just 5-5 on the season, but don't let the record fool you. In 13 starts, Holland has allowed four earned runs or fewer 11 times, and his 5.14 ERA is a little deceptive, thanks to a forgettable start on May 5 against the Blue Jays in which Holland allowed 11 earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings. Holland also has a 5-2 career record against the Orioles. In his last meeting against the Birds in 2015, Holland threw a complete game shutout, striking out 11 batters without issuing a walk in a 6-0 win.

The Rangers' bullpen is a solid unit, too. Closer Sam Dyson has 12 saves on the year, but boasts a 2.10 ERA in 36 games. Southpaw reliever Jake Diekman leads the bullpen with a 1.35 ERA, while right-hander Shawn Tolleson has oddly picked up 11 saves but has struggled with an 8.02 ERA. This will be a short but good test for both teams, who each lead their respective divisions as summer officially gets underway.