Texas Rangers Seek to Continue Turnaround Against Struggling Los Angeles Angels

The Texas Rangers successfully swept the Tampa Bay Rays over the weekend, yet the defending World Series champions still face significant challenges in their pursuit of a consecutive title. Entering Monday's opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, California, the Texas Rangers hold a 42-48 record. The Rangers have been below .500 since May 21 and trail by six games in the American League West. However, the Angels, with a 37-52 record and positioned 10.5 games behind in the AL West, would likely welcome an opportunity to trade places with their division rivals. Texas Rangers’ 13 runs scored on Sunday starkly contrast with the Los Angeles Angels, who have managed only 13 runs over their past six games. The Angels have been shut out 5-0 in three of their past five games, including Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Cubs.

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Texas Rangers Aim for Strong Finish Before All-Star Break

The Texas Rangers aim to enter the All-Star break with positive momentum and view their upcoming series against a Los Angeles Angels team, which has lost six of its last seven games, as an opportunity to do so. "It is a crucial period for us to play good baseball," stated Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. "We are aware of our position and need to win games. To achieve our goals, we must perform well both before and after the break. That is our current focus—finishing strong."

The Los Angeles Angels, already deprived of one of their top offensive players, Luis Rengifo (due to an inflamed wrist), are hopeful not to lose another key player, Taylor Ward. Ward injured his left knee while attempting a sliding catch near the left field foul pole at Wrigley Field on Sunday. Although he initially stayed in the game, he was replaced by a pinch runner after singling in the ninth inning. "I definitely feel sore," said Ward, who leads the team with 44 RBIs and is tied with Jo Adell for the most home runs (14). "But I am not too concerned. I will take it day by day."

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Key Players and Starting Pitchers for Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon, out since April 20 with a torn left hamstring, might return to the lineup for Monday’s game. Angels manager Ron Washington mentioned that Rendon would initially start at third base and serve as the designated hitter the following day. "Our intention was for him to be ready upon our return," Washington explained. "Once we return, we will assess his readiness. If he is prepared, he will play on Monday. If not, he will play the following day. We will determine that upon our return to Anaheim."

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Right-hander Davis Daniel (1-1, 2.70 ERA) is set to make his third start for the Los Angeles Angels since his call-up from Triple-A Salt Lake on June 27. The 27-year-old delivered eight scoreless innings in his MLB debut but struggled in his second start against the Oakland Athletics last Wednesday, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings, resulting in a loss. Jon Gray (3-4, 3.92 ERA) will start Monday’s game for the Texas Rangers. The right-hander is 0-1 over his past two starts, conceding 11 runs on 16 hits over nine innings. Gray, 32, holds a 3-1 record with a 3.06 ERA in five career starts against the Los Angeles Angels.

News Source:- albanyherald.com