The Texas Rangers entered the All-Star break with momentum after winning a series against the Houston Astros. Sunday’s 6-5 victory allowed Texas to reach the break with a 49-47 record.

They remain atop the American League West, with a 1.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners.

The Rangers have played much better baseball over the last several weeks. Strong starting pitching has led the turnaround, while timely hitting has helped the team capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Texas has also received valuable contributions from unexpected players. Infielders Nicky Lopez and Justin Foscue have stepped up in key moments.

Catcher Elias Díaz has also provided an important boost. Those performances have helped the Rangers win four of their last five series.

Despite the recent success, one issue continues to stand out. The bullpen has become a growing concern. Texas opened the season with surprisingly strong relief pitching. Injuries have changed that picture.

Jakob Junis landed on the 15-day Injured List because of a left hip impingement. His absence has been significant.

Junis has filled an important high-leverage role throughout the season. He has produced a 2.80 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 35.1 innings across 31 appearances (one start).

Jalen Beeks is also out for the remainder of the season. His injury has forced the Rangers to rely on several inexperienced relievers.

One pitcher has remained a constant. Jacob Latz has developed into one of the biggest surprises on the roster.

Latz owns a 1.61 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP in 44.2 innings with 18 saves and 46 strikeouts over 35 appearances, including one start. His WAR sits at 2.2, already surpassing his previous career high. He also earned the first All-Star selection of his career.

The rest of the bullpen has not matched that level of consistency. The weekend series against Houston exposed the issue again.

On Friday, Texas carried a 3-1 lead into the seventh inning before Chris Martin surrendered a game-tying two-run home run.

On Sunday, the Rangers led 4-1 entering the seventh inning. Robby Ahlstrom and Peyton Gray combined to allow three runs. Ben Peoples later surrendered the lead in the eighth.

Fortunately for Texas, Wyatt Langford and Brandon Nimmo delivered the clutch hits needed to win both games.

Those victories should not hide the larger concern. The Rangers need more dependable performances from the back end of the bullpen.

There is no immediate answer before the trade deadline.

Martin just landed on the Injured List with right shoulder impingement. Junis returning will help though. Until then, Peyton Gray and Tyler Alexander must provide more consistent innings.

If Texas still contends, president of baseball operations Chris Young could once again pursue bullpen help before the trade deadline.

Last season, he acquired Phil Maton and Danny Coulombe to strengthen the relief corps. A similar move would not be surprising this year.

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Rangers' bullpen needs to improve