The Texas Rangers will try to carry the momentum from their dramatic comeback victory into Wednesday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Angels as they continue their push up the American League West standings. After rallying late to defeat the Angels in the series opener, Texas has finalized its lineup for the second game of the three-game set, with several hitters expected to play pivotal roles against Angels right-hander Walbert Ureña.
The Rangers (46-45) delivered one of their most impressive late-game performances of the season on Tuesday, breaking open a tied contest with a five-run eighth inning. Ezequiel Duran and Justin Foscue each delivered RBI singles before Alejandro Osuna capped the rally with his first home run of the season, a three-run blast that secured an 8-3 victory.
The win was especially significant for Texas, a club that has struggled to mount late comebacks throughout the 2026 campaign. It also tightened the American League West race, moving the Rangers to within half a game of the division-leading Seattle Mariners, who were defeated on Tuesday. The Houston Astros sit two games behind Texas ahead of a crucial three-game showdown with the Rangers that begins Friday at Globe Life Field and concludes the first half of the season.
Texas will send left-hander MacKenzie Gore (5-7, 4.31 ERA) to the mound in hopes of securing another victory, while the Angels counter with right-hander Walbert Ureña (5-7, 3.03 ERA), who has quietly been one of Los Angeles’ most consistent starters this season.
Rangers lineup
Manager Bruce Bochy’s lineup features Joc Pederson serving as designated hitter, followed by Josh Smith at second base, Jake Burger at first, Brandon Nimmo in right field, Ezequiel Duran at third, Evan Carter in center, Alejandro Osuna in left, Elias Díaz behind the plate and Nicky Lopez at shortstop.
Several individual matchups could determine the outcome of Wednesday’s contest.
Alejandro Osuna looks to stay hot
Osuna enters the game riding the confidence of Tuesday’s game-changing three-run homer, his first of the season. The young outfielder has enjoyed success against Ureña in limited opportunities, collecting a hit in each of his three career at-bats against the Angels starter.
Although he has yet to drive in a run against Ureña, his recent form suggests he could be a difference-maker again. Osuna has been a reliable contributor throughout the season, batting .252 with a .343 on-base percentage, one home run and 18 RBIs. His consistency has marked a significant improvement from last season, when he hit .212 over 63 games.
Brandon Nimmo searching for offensive spark
Veteran outfielder Brandon Nimmo remains in the lineup despite enduring one of his toughest stretches of the season. Over his last seven games, Nimmo has managed just a .115 batting average with a .233 on-base percentage and a .154 slugging percentage.
However, those numbers don’t tell the full story. Before his recent slump, Nimmo had been swinging the bat well, posting a .267 average with a .433 slugging percentage over a 15-game span. He has also recorded a hit in three career at-bats against Ureña, giving the Rangers reason to believe he could break out at any time.
Rangers continue waiting on Josh Jung
One notable absence from Wednesday’s starting lineup is third baseman Josh Jung, who had been expected to return after missing two games with a bruised knee suffered when he fouled a pitch off his leg.
Although Jung is unavailable to start, he could still appear later in the game as a pinch hitter if his condition allows.
His absence is significant because he has been one of Texas’ most productive offensive players this season. Jung is batting .297 with a .362 on-base percentage, nine home runs and 34 RBIs. He was also among the hottest hitters in the lineup before the injury, posting an outstanding .357 batting average with a .455 on-base percentage and .643 slugging percentage over his previous seven games.
The Rangers hope to have his bat back in the lineup soon as they prepare for a pivotal stretch that includes a showdown with the division-rival Astros.
With first place in the AL West within reach and momentum finally on their side, Texas will look for another complete performance against the Angels before turning its attention to one of the biggest series of its season.
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