Texas @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2012 ) Texas 3, LA Angels 11

Sluggers Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton typically command the spotlight and Wednesday will be no different when the Los Angeles Angels host the Texas Rangers in the second of a three-game series. Pujols missed Tuesday's game to be with his wife for the birth of his daughter but is expected to rejoin the club for Wednesday's contest. Hamilton's status is murkier. The leading home run hitter in the majors, he had to exit Tuesday's game due to a sinus infection that affected his vision.

The Angels have won 15 of their last 20 games but still sit three games out of the second wild card and 3 1/2 behind wild card leader and division rival Oakland. The Rangers, despite an AL-best 87-60 record, lead the Athletics by only three games atop the AL West and still have seven more games against Oakland, including a four-game set in Texas next week. A pair of lefties and former teammates will take the mound when Los Angeles' C.J. Wilson opposes Derek Holland.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Derek Holland (10-6, 4.50 ERA) vs. Angels LH C.J. Wilson (12-9, 3.73)

Holland has not lost since July 31 against the Angels and has logged a 3-0 record and 2.98 ERA in his last seven starts. He is 1-0 in his last three outings despite allowing only five runs while striking out 24 in 22 innings. Holland is susceptible to the long ball, giving up at least one homer in 15 of his last 17 starts and 27 overall on the year. He has been hit hard by the Angels this year, getting tagged for 12 runs in 13 2/3 innings.

Wilson has worked his way back from a swoon that saw him go winless in 11 starts for July and most of August. He had won three consecutive starts before taking a no-decision last time out, when he allowed four runs - three earned - on four hits at Kansas City. He's had mixed results against his former team, getting shelled for eight runs in 5 1/3 innings at Texas on Aug. 2 and pitching six scoreless innings at home on June 2.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels' eight-run inning Tuesday was their biggest at home this season. They put up nine runs in their biggest inning at Texas.

2. Rangers C Mike Napoli is batting .463 (19-for-41) with four homers and nine RBIs against Los Angeles this season.

3. Angels RHP Tanner Scheppers (bruised knee) will be re-evaluated Wednesday after he was hurt in a collision at home plate Tuesday.