In a series that was supposed to mean something much more, the Los Angeles Angels host the 2011 American League West champion Texas Rangers in the final three regular season games in Anaheim. Dan Haren gets the start for the Angels, who are in desperate need of wins and help if they are to make the postseason.
The Angels not only need to sweep the Rangers, but they also need the Boston Red Sox to lose three straight on the road against the Baltimore Orioles, and they need the Tampa Bay Rays to lose at least two out of three at home against the New York Yankees. If by some chance all of these things happen, the Angels would then need to win a two- or three-team playoff for the wild card, which would begin on Thursday.
But first things first, the Angels can only control their portion of the schedule, which includes throwing their three best pitchers at the Rangers. Haren won his last start in Toronto by allowing one run in eight innings, but he also took a ball off his wrist. He goes for his career high 17th victory Monday night, and also looks to end the season with more starts than walks. Haren currently has 32 walks in 33 starts this season.
C.J. Wilson starts for the Rangers, but will likely only throw a few innings, as he is slated to start Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday.
Monday night's 7:05 p.m. game, will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more Angels news, be sure to read Halos Heaven.