ANAHEIM, Calif. (July 28, 2025) – The Texas Rangers begin a three-game road series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night at Angel Stadium, with first pitch set for 9:38 p.m. ET. Both teams sit in the thick of the American League Wild Card race, making this late-July matchup a pivotal measuring stick for two clubs chasing October dreams.

Texas (56–50) enters the series riding a six-game winning streak after sweeping the Atlanta Braves over the weekend. With their offense heating up and the pitching staff showing consistency, the Rangers have climbed back into contention, now just a half-game out of a Wild Card slot. Los Angeles (51–55), meanwhile, has struggled for consistency but remains within striking distance, buoyed by the steady power of Taylor Ward and the breakout season of Nolan Schanuel.

Rangers At a Glance

The Rangers’ lineup has been finding its stride since the All-Star break, led by a mix of veteran power and youthful energy.

• Marcus Semien, though batting just .223, remains a key sparkplug. The second baseman has contributed 11 doubles, a triple, 13 home runs, and 43 walks this season. His ability to grind out at-bats at the top of the order remains critical, even as his power numbers sit middle-of-the-pack — 91st in MLB in homers and 59th in RBI.

• Josh Smith has been the most consistent contact hitter for Texas. His .277 batting average leads the team, and while he ranks 148th in homers and 204th in RBI across the majors, his knack for getting on base has provided depth in the lineup.

• Corey Seager continues to be Texas’ most dangerous bat. The All-Star shortstop owns a team-high 15 home runs and enters Monday with hits in two straight games. Over his last five outings, Seager is hitting .333 with two doubles, two home runs, five walks, and four RBI — evidence that his bat is heating up at the right time.

• Adolis García remains the team’s most productive run producer. Leading the club with 59 RBI, García has recorded hits in three consecutive games and is batting .250 with a home run and three RBI over his last five contests. His ability to drive in runs consistently has been a difference-maker throughout the season.

On the mound, the Rangers will lean on their rotation depth to complement a surging offense. Their ability to keep games close has allowed the lineup to deliver timely production.

Angels At a Glance

The Angels enter this series with a 26–25 home record, leaning heavily on their offense to stay competitive.

• Taylor Ward has been the centerpiece of the lineup, leading the team with 24 home runs and 77 RBI. Among MLB hitters, Ward ranks 11th in homers and eighth in RBI — numbers that put him firmly in the All-Star conversation this year.

• Nolan Schanuel has quietly been one of the Angels’ most reliable hitters, posting a team-high .282 batting average. He ranks 169th in homers and 104th in RBI league-wide, showing more contact consistency than raw power.

• Zach Neto provides valuable production as well, hitting .273 with 19 doubles, a triple, 15 home runs, and 20 walks. Neto’s extra-base ability has been key to keeping rallies alive.

• Jo Adell has flashed plenty of power, tallying 14 doubles and 21 home runs to go along with 25 walks. However, his .233 batting average underscores some of the inconsistency that has hampered Los Angeles’ offense at times.

Despite offensive firepower, the Angels’ pitching staff has struggled with consistency. Monday’s game will hinge on whether their starter can contain the Rangers’ streaking lineup.

Key Storylines

• Momentum vs. Desperation: Texas enters as one of the hottest teams in baseball, while Los Angeles needs a strong series to stay alive in the Wild Card race.

• Seager’s Surge: With Corey Seager finding his rhythm, Texas’ offense looks poised to stay explosive.

• Ward’s Power: The Angels will look to Taylor Ward to carry the lineup against a Rangers pitching staff that has allowed 30 home runs in July.

• Bullpen Edge: The Rangers’ relievers have quietly steadied in recent weeks. If Texas grabs an early lead, their pen could close the door.

Outlook

The Rangers’ combination of a hot offense and renewed confidence makes them favorites entering this matchup. However, the Angels’ lineup, led by Ward and Schanuel, is capable of changing the game with one swing. Expect fireworks in Anaheim as both clubs battle to strengthen their playoff hopes.