The struggling Los Angeles Angels will be hoping a change of scenery can help reverse their fortunes when they begin a three-game road series against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night in Arlington.
After enduring another frustrating stretch, the Angels enter the matchup desperately trying to avoid matching their longest losing streak of the season. Los Angeles has dropped six consecutive games and another defeat would equal the seven-game skid the club suffered earlier this year between April 24 and May 1.
It has been a difficult campaign overall for the Angels, whose 36-55 record is currently the worst in Major League Baseball. The club has also experienced another six-game losing streak during the season, highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued the roster throughout 2026.
The Angels’ latest setback came Sunday night in Anaheim, where they fell 7-5 to the Boston Red Sox despite another solid offensive performance from shortstop Zach Neto.
Neto finished with three hits, including a home run, and provided much of the offensive spark for Los Angeles. However, his night was also marked by a costly defensive mistake, as an error contributed to three unearned runs that proved pivotal in the defeat.
The recent losing streak has largely been driven by offensive struggles.
During the six-game skid, Los Angeles has managed to score only 13 total runs, placing enormous pressure on a pitching staff that has generally kept the team competitive despite receiving little run support.
Neto acknowledged the team’s frustrations following Sunday’s loss but expressed confidence that the offense will eventually respond.
He noted that while the pitching staff has continued to perform well enough to win games, the hitters simply have not produced consistently, adding that everyone in the lineup must contribute more if the club hopes to turn things around.
One reason for optimism is the potential return of franchise star Mike Trout.
The veteran center fielder has been sidelined since suffering a right hamstring injury on June 17, but his comeback appears to be approaching. Trout participated in batting practice and completed baserunning drills during each of the past two days before the team departed for Texas, signaling continued progress in his recovery.
His return could come as early as the opening game of the Rangers series.
Trout recently earned his 12th career All-Star selection and his first since 2023, another reminder that he remains one of baseball’s premier players despite battling injuries in recent seasons.
The three-time American League MVP has openly discussed his desire to participate in this year’s All-Star Game, which will be played at Citizens Bank Park near his hometown of Millville, New Jersey.
Before his injury, Trout was batting .234 while contributing 17 home runs, 12 doubles, 54 runs scored, and 36 RBIs in 74 games.
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki emphasized that the organization will allow Trout to determine when he feels completely ready to return rather than rushing him back into action.
Suzuki explained that there is no firm timetable, adding that once Trout declares himself healthy, the club will immediately welcome him back into the lineup.
On the mound, the Angels will send right-hander José Soriano to open the series.
Soriano enters the contest with an impressive 8-5 record and a 3.42 ERA while enjoying considerable success against Texas throughout his career. In seven appearances, including five starts, he owns a 2.81 ERA against the Rangers.
Although he finished just 1-3 against Texas last season, Soriano still posted a respectable 3.63 ERA across four starts, giving Los Angeles confidence that he can keep the Rangers’ offense under control.
Texas will counter with one of the game’s most accomplished pitchers, two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom.
DeGrom enters with a 7-5 record and a 3.48 ERA but has experienced mixed results against the Angels during his career. In six career starts versus Los Angeles, he owns a 5.22 ERA and just one victory.
His most recent meeting with the Angels was particularly difficult.
Back on May 22 at Angel Stadium, deGrom allowed six runs on six hits in only three innings as Los Angeles earned a 9-6 victory. Neto immediately set the tone by leading off the first inning with a home run before Wade Meckler added a three-run blast during a four-run opening inning.
Since that rough outing, however, deGrom has returned to dominant form.
The veteran right-hander enjoyed an outstanding June, compiling a 4-1 record with a 3.00 ERA across six starts. His latest appearance came against the Cleveland Guardians on June 30, when he pitched seven strong innings, allowed just two runs on four hits, and struck out nine batters to earn another victory.
Perhaps the most encouraging development for the Rangers has been deGrom’s fastball.
Now 38 years old, the veteran has shown no signs of declining velocity. During his most recent outing, he reached 100.5 mph twice his fastest pitches since April 2023 and threw five fastballs that reached triple digits.
Afterward, deGrom said he believed it was the best his fastball has felt all season, an encouraging sign for both himself and the Rangers as they continue their push toward postseason contention.
Texas enters the series with a 45-45 record after losing three of its last four games. Despite the recent struggles, the Rangers remain firmly in the American League West race, sitting in second place and only 1½ games behind the division-leading Seattle Mariners.
For both clubs, the series carries significant importance.
The Angels are searching for any momentum that can halt another lengthy losing streak, while the Rangers are looking to strengthen their playoff position and keep pace atop the division standings as the second half of the season approaches.
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