Texas @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 19, 2011 ) Texas 7, LA Angels 0

THE STORY: The visiting Texas Rangers look to extend their 12-game winning streak and build on their lead in the AL West when they face the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. The Rangers have pitched three shutouts in the first five games since the All-Star break to move a season-high five games over the Angels, who have lost four of their last five games.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSSW, KCOP

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Derek Holland (8-4, 4.32 ERA) vs. Angels RH Dan Haren (10-6, 2.75 ERA)

Holland has thrown back-to-back complete game shutouts, including his effort last Thursday against Seattle when he struck out eight and threw 118 pitches. He is 3-3 with a 5.06 ERA in nine career games against the Angels.

Haren snapped a four-game win streak when he took the loss last Friday against Oakland. He gave up four runs against the Athletics after allowing just two in his previous three starts combined. Haren is 4-6 with a 3.40 ERA in 14 career starts against the Rangers.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (56-41): The Rangers’ relievers must feel like they’re having an extended All-Star break this season. The Rangers have played five games since the All-Star break and used just three relievers. Scott Feldman, Yoshinori Tateyama and Arthur Rhodes have not been used since prior to the break. With the Rangers’ starting pitchers dominating during their 12-game winning streak, some have even suggested the team could drop a reliever and add an extra position player. However, manager Ron Washington appears unlikely to make that change. In an unrelated move, the Rangers acquired infielder Nick Green from the Orioles for minor League pitcher Zach Phillips and assigned him to Triple-A Round Rock. Green can play in the middle infield and the outfield. He has a career batting average of .237 with seven different organizations. Green was acquired for infield depth, especially since the Rangers could lose backup shortstop Omar Quintanilla to waivers soon.

ABOUT THE ANGELS (51-46): Peter Bourjos (hamstring) is reportedly running at just 60 percent, but the Angels are still planning on activating him from the disabled list Saturday. Rookie Mike Trout has been starting in place of Bourjos, but he sat out Tuesday’s game after going 2-for-18 with seven strikeouts in his last 20 at-bats. One of the top prospects in baseball, Trout was recalled from Double-A on July 8. Before Tuesday’s game, the Angels optioned catcher Hank Conger to Triple-A Salt Lake to make room for starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood. Jeff Mathis will likely start most games at catcher, with Bobby Wilson serving as the backup. Conger hit .214 with five home runs and 16 RBIs. Reliever Fernando Rodney (back strain) will make a rehab appearance with Single-A Inland Empire on Wednesday and could rejoin the Angels on Friday.

FINAL PITCH: The Angels are 9-0 in their last nine games when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game. Texas won 7-0 in the series opener on Monday.