Texas Rangers: 3 Things To Know Before The Series Against The Angels

CHICAGO, IL - JULY 01: Starting pitcher Cole Hamels (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JULY 01: Starting pitcher Cole Hamels (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 04: Yu Darvish (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 04: Yu Darvish (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images) /

Both Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels will get a chance to pitch in this series. The Rangers have the Angels outmatched as far as starting pitching, but will that be enough? Can Darvish and Hamels pitch like aces and carry Texas to victory?

Both pitchers are likely trade candidates at the deadline if Texas falls out of the race. These are must win games for Texas, but also an opportunity for Hamels to gain some confidence. The Angels offense is hurt without Mike Trout, and Hamels needs to capitalize on that.

This season Hamels is 3-0 with a 4.12 ERA in seven starts. He’s seen plenty of time on the disabled list. It’s time for him to bounce back and help Texas get back into the playoff race.

If everything goes according to plan the Rangers should sweep the Angels and be in second place by the All-Star Break. The Rangers must win two of three with both Hamels and Darvish on the mound.

If Texas continues to drop games with their aces on the mound it could be time to throw in the towel. This is a huge series not just for the Rangers, but for both Darvish and Hamels to gain some much-needed momentum.