We'll find out this week if we should stay tuned to the second half of the Texas Rangers season.

The Rangers begin an important four-game series with the AL West-leading Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

It may be the biggest series in the young managerial career of Ron Washington, who has led the Rangers for just more than a season and a half.

The Rangers are a season-best three games over .500 and trail the Angels by 7 1/2 games, potentially closing the gap to 3 ½ games with a sweep. The Halos (53-35) are 18 games above .500.

If the Rangers sweep or even win the series they'll do it with pitchers not expected to be major contributors. Luis Mendoza (1-2, 4.64) goes against Ervin Santana (9-3, 3.28) tonight.

After that the rotation brings Eric Hurley (1-1, 3.57), who had a 5.30 ERA in Triple-A before being called up last month. Scheduled for Wednesday is Vicente Padilla (10-5, 4.70). Hurley was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday because of a tight left hamstring and Padilla has a strained muscle in his neck.

Either or both could miss their scheduled starts.

This weekend, Dustin Nippert was called up to replace Joaquin Benoit, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 3, with right shoulder inflammation. Nippert could make an emergency start, but in 8 2/3 innings for the Rangers this year he is 1-2 with a 16.62 ERA, yes that is 16.62.

Another possibility is Matt Harrison, who would have to be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma and would be making his Major League debut.

Scott Feldman (3-3, 4.39) is scheduled for Thursday's start.

With the one through four batters just named to the All-Star team, it looks like the old adage will be true again for the Rangers: It's all about the pitching.

Every game in the series starts at 7:05 p.m.

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