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ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Mike Trout kept the game tied with his glove in the ninth inning and Howie Kendrick delivered the walk-off home run in the 11th, as the Texas Rangers fell, 5-4, to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night.

Bad luck: Adrian Beltre would have been the hero if not for Trout's leaping catch with two outs in the ninth. With Ian Kinsler representing the go-ahead run at third, Beltre hit the ball hard, but it stayed up long enough for Trout to chase it down at the warning track near the bullpen gate in left field. The Rangers were 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Struggles through seven: Aside from Nelson Cruz's three-run shot in the sixth, the Rangers didn't muster much against Angels left-hander Jason Vargas, who was 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA coming into the game. Vargas went a season-high seven innings, as Texas struggled to come through in clutch situations.

More from less: Mitch Moreland, who had three hits in Monday's opener, had two more Tuesday batting in the No. 9 spot. The multi-hit performance was significant given the fact that he had been 1-for-19 (.053) against left-handers entering the night.

Staying up: Rangers starting pitcher Alexi Ogando and manager Ron Washington agreed that poor pitch location was the cause of his troubles in Chicago last week, and the same issue appeared to affect him early when Kendrick jumped on a high fastball for a homer to the deepest part of the park, increasing the Halos' lead to four. It was Ogando's biggest mistake of the night, as he rebounded from last week's poor outing.

Baker flashes leather: Jeff Baker was in the starting lineup Tuesday for his bat, but he never got to use it. The left fielder robbed Josh Hamilton of extras bases with a sliding catch near the foul line in the first inning, but crashed into the padded wall at full speed and exited with a bruised left knee. David Murphy, who had been 1-for-19 in his career against Vargas, replaced him.

Up next: Yu Darvish (3-1, 2.03 ERA) looks for his second victory against Los Angeles this season. Angels right-hander Jerome Williams (1-0, 3.18 ERA) is expected to make the spot start in place of Tommy Hanson, who is on the bereavement list. First pitch is 9:05 p.m. CT on ESPN 103.3-FM.

Rookie right-hander Nick Tepesch (wrist) felt good following Monday's normal-length, 45-pitch bullpen session and is on schedule to make his Thursday start in Minnesota. "I felt strong, felt comfortable," said Tepesch, who left Saturday's start against the Seattle Mariners after being struck by a liner off the bat of Jesus Montero.

Left-hander Charlie Leesman, whom the Rangers claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on Friday, officially declined an assignment and became a free agent.

Jeff Baker was in the starting lineup Tuesday in place of left fielder David Murphy, who was 1-for-19 career against Los Angeles Angels left-hander Jason Vargas. "I couldn't deny the numbers," manager Ron Washington said.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- David Murphy gets the night off as Jeff Baker is in tonight's lineup and hitting seventh for the Texas Rangers in the second game of a three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels. The Rangers are sending Alexi Ogando to the mound against Angels left-hander Jason Vargas. Here are the lineups:

PODCAST
Rangers pitcher Justin Grimm joins Galloway & Company to discuss his last start, being called up from the minors and much more. Listen

RANGERS
2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
DH Lance Berkman
3B Adrian Beltre
RF Nelson Cruz
C A.J. Pierzynski
LF Jeff Baker
CF Craig Gentry
1B Mitch Moreland

ANGELS
CF Peter Bourjos
LF Mike Trout
DH Albert Pujols
RF Josh Hamilton
1B Mark Trumbo
2B Howie Kendrick
SS Brendan Harris
C Chris Iannetta
3B Luis Jimenez

Catcher A.J. Pierzynski has batted fifth in the Rangers' lineup for his last two starts, a minor tweak by manager Ron Washington that paid off in a big way in Monday's 7-6 comeback win over the Los Angeles Angels.

PODCAST
Manager Ron Washington joins Ian Fitzsimmons to discuss the Rangers' comeback win over the Angels, A.J. Pierzynski's value to the team and much more. Listen

Pierzynski, one of the Rangers' hottest hitters to start the season, came up in two critical moments late in Monday's game. With the bases loaded and no outs in the top of the seventh and the Rangers trailing 6-3, Pierzynski ripped an opposite-field single to score a run. The Rangers scored two more runs in the inning to tie the score.

Pierzynski gave the Rangers the lead the next time he came up. Facing Angels closer Ernesto Frieri, Pierzynski broke a 6-6 tie with a two-out home run to right-center field. Rangers closer Joe Nathan saved the Rangers' fourth straight win in the bottom of the ninth.

Frieri had thrown 31 pitches in Sunday's 13-inning win over Detroit and wasn't sharp. Right before Pierzynski's homer, Frieri left a fastball over the middle of the plate to Adrian Beltre and the Rangers' third baseman just missed a home run to left field. Frieri made one too many mistakes, and Pierzynski made him pay.

Pierzynski did great work for the Chicago White Sox last season when he batted fifth, hitting .316 with eight of 27 home runs and 31 of his 77 RBIs.

Washington prefers not to tinker with his lineup. The batting order has stayed the same for most of the season, with David Murphy batting fifth 13 times before Pierzynski was shifted there.

On Monday night, Wash's wisdom paid off in a big way.

Washington said Sunday that he wanted to give veteran reliever Jason Frasor more opportunities out of the bullpen, a move that didn't go well Monday. With Derek Holland at 104 pitches and No. 9 hitter Luis Jimenez coming up for the Angels in the sixth inning, Washington went to Frasor. He allowed what at the time looked like a crushing two-run single to Jimenez to give the Angels a 6-3 lead. Frasor did respond with two runners in scoring position with AL Rookie of the Year Mike Trout up next, getting the Angels star to pop out to second base to end the inning.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels continue with the second game of their three-tilt set tonight at Angel Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. CT on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. Here's a look at the pitching matchup, featuring Rangers RHP Alexi Ogando and Angels LHP Jason Vargas.

PODCAST
Rangers pitcher Justin Grimm joins Galloway & Company to discuss his last start, being called up from the minors and much more. Listen

Ogando (2-1, 3.32 ERA): Took his first loss last week after allowing five runs and six hits in only 2⅓ innings. … Had not given up more than a run in six previous starts dating back to 2011 … The right-hander is 3-0 with a 1.72 ERA in his career against the Angels … Has been tagged for six earned runs over 23 innings pitched at Angel Stadium … His 3.28 ERA as a starter is the sixth lowest in club history among pitchers with at least 30 career starts.

Vargas (0-2, 6.75 ERA): Has a 4-6 lifetime record against the Rangers (4.48 ERA) in 14 starts … Still seeking first victory as an Angel … Acquired in December from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for designated hitter Kendrys Morales.

Hitters: Mark Trumbo (4-for-10) and Mike Trout (2-for-4, four RBIs) have had success against Ogando … Albert Pujols is 1-for-5, but the hit was a home run … Ogando has held Peter Bourjos (2-for-10, four K's) and Howie Kendrick (3-for-13) in check … Ian Kinsler (12-for-35, one HR and five doubles) and Nelson Cruz (9-for-29, three HRs) have given Vargas a tough time in the past … Adrian Beltre and David Murphy are a combined 3-for-40 against Vargas.

Up next

--Wednesday at Angels: RHP Yu Darvish (3-1, 2.03) vs. RHP Tommy Hanson (2-1, 4.24), 9:05 p.m. CT, ESPN-FM 103.3/1540 AM/Fox Sports Southwest

--Thursday at Minnesota Twins: RHP Nick Tepesch (1-1, 3.07) vs. LHP Pedro Hernandez (0-0, 3.86), 7:10 p.m. CT, ESPN-FM 103.3/1540 AM/Fox Sports Southwest.

--Friday at Minnesota: RHP Justin Grimm (1-0, 2.70) vs. RHP Vance Worley (0-2, 7.11), 7:10 p.m. CT, ESPN-FM 103.3/1540 AM/TXA-21

We spent much of the offseason talking about Josh Hamilton and how the club was going to try to replace some of his production. But how the club was going to replace Mike Napoli was also a topic of conversation.

PODCAST
Manager Ron Washington joins Ian Fitzsimmons to discuss the Rangers' comeback win over the Angels, A.J. Pierzynski's value to the team and much more. Listen

It can be such a big difference in the offense when the guy behind the plate adds offensive production. Sure, the No. 1 job of a catcher for any Ron Washington team is to take care of the pitching staff. But if he can give the club some pop with the bat, it gives the offense a huge boost.

In 2012, the Rangers didn't get enough from the catching position. They ended up trading for Geovany Soto at the deadline and released Yorvit Torrealba in an effort to spark something. But with Napoli struggling and dealing with injuries, it never happened. Rangers catchers hit just .228 in 2012 and were middle of the pack in just about every offensive category. It was not a position of offensive strength, though Napoli did hit 24 home runs in limited playing time.

In 2011, the Rangers were tops in the AL in the average by catchers, hitting .299 behind the ridiculous second half that Napoli put together. Then, they were at or near the top in most of the offensive numbers for catchers.

They are trending that way again in 2013 thanks to A.J. Pierzynski. He had two key at-bats on Monday, helping the club rally in the seventh and then hitting the solo home run to give the club the lead with two outs in the ninth (Joe Nathan got the save to end it). Texas catchers are hitting .286, good enough for fifth in the league. The 10 RBIs are tied for third, along with the four home runs. We'll see if they can keep up that trend. But early in the season, it's been big for the Rangers to get some offensive production from Pierzynski behind the plate.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Everything was there in Chicago, Alexi Ogando says, but just a bit off. The wet and cold conditions probably didn't help, but manager Ron Washington wasn't ready to attribute Ogando's third-shortest start to the elements.

PODCAST
Manager Ron Washington joins Ian Fitzsimmons to discuss the Rangers' comeback win over the Angels, A.J. Pierzynski's value to the team and much more. Listen

Washington certainly didn't want to create the excuse.

"It was just a hiccup," Washington said. "I expect him to keep us in the game when he gets the ball. ... If not, I'll have to take my belt off and give him a spanking."

Ogando (2-1, 3.32 ERA) worked on some mechanical issues over the weekend, but he won't know about those adjustments until he takes the mound tonight for the second game of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.

"I think it's going to be there," he said.

His fastball command, which Washington pegged as "erratic," was the biggest problem at Wrigley Field, where bad pitches are punished. Ogando's pitches was particularly up in the zone on Thursday when the Cubs tagged the right-hander for five runs in 2 1/3 innings. There were two home runs, a triple and a double.

Ogando had not given up more than a run in six consecutive starts dating back to 2011.

"It's something pitchers lose sometimes, and sometimes you don't even realize it," Ogando said of his command. "It comes back slowly but I feel like I regain it quickly."

With left-hander Matt Harrison (lower back) recently going on the 15-day disabled list, it's on the rest of the rotation to pick up the slack. Ogando recognized the heightened responsibility, but said it doesn't add more pressure.

Washington expressed confidence in Ogando, who is 3-0 with a 1.72 in his career against the Angels.

"We know he can spot the fastball," Washington said. "He's done it his whole life."

Rangers manager Ron Washington said this week that roles still haven't been defined in the club's bullpen.

PODCAST
Manager Ron Washington joins Ian Fitzsimmons to discuss the Rangers' comeback win over the Angels, A.J. Pierzynski's value to the team and much more. Listen

Well, right-hander Tanner Scheppers has one. He's the Rangers seventh- and eighth-inning stopper.

Scheppers was at again Monday night as the Rangers rallied for a 7-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander entered Monday's game in Anaheim after the Rangers had scored three runs in the top of the seventh to tie the score and retired six out of seven Angels hitters.

It was the second time this season Scheppers pitched two shutout innings in relief. He hasn't allowed a run in 10 2/3 innings. The four times he's allowed a runner into scoring position, he's gotten an out.

Scheppers has been especially good against right-handed hitters, who have just three hits against him in 26 at-bats. He has six strikeouts, including a seventh-inning punchout Monday night in which he fanned Angels slugger Albert Pujols on three pitches.

Scheppers has been able to bear down when he puts runners on base. He's allowed one hit in 10 at-bats with runners on. After allowing a two-out single to Josh Hamilton in the bottom of the seventh, Scheppers got Howie Kendrick to line out to Ian Kinsler.

It was one of two shutdown innings the Rangers needed to set up A.J. Pierzynski's game-winning home run in the top of the ninth.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Just in case any Los Angeles Angels fans had forgotten about A.J. Pierzynski, the hated villain from the 2005 American League Championship Series stirred up old memories with a tiebreaking home run in the ninth inning Monday night.

PODCAST
Manager Ron Washington joins Ian Fitzsimmons to discuss the Rangers' comeback win over the Angels, A.J. Pierzynski's value to the team and much more. Listen

Pierzynski drew loud boos as he emphatically pumped his fist while rounding first base. He had been serenaded by hecklers every time he stepped into the batter's box at Angel Stadium, just as in years past when he played for the Chicago White Sox.

"I ask people why they boo me here, and they don't even know," Pierzynski said. "They just do it because other people do it. It's cool. I actually enjoy it. I love playing here."

Pierzynski, whose homer Monday propelled the Texas Rangers to their fourth-straight victory, was the main antagonist when the Angels fell to the White Sox in the 2005 playoffs. The controversial moment of that championship series came when Pierzynski reached base after he took off for first on an apparent swing-and-miss. Chicago went on to beat the Angels and win the World Series.

And by the sound of it, Angels fans haven't let it go.

"They still blame me for that one, but it's OK," said Pierzynski, who also had a run-scoring single in the seventh. "I look at it like I'm tied 5-5 with them in the ALCS. They beat us 4-1 in 2002 when I was with the Twins, and we beat them 4-1 when I was with the White Sox. We both got rings out of it, so we're tied 1-1, however way you look at it."

Pierzynski made his major league debut at Angel Stadium in September 1998 as a 21-year-old with the Twins. For that reason, he said the ballpark and its fans, no matter how cruel, hold a special place in his heart.

"It's an awesome atmosphere every night," he said. "I remember losing here in 2002 and watching them celebrate the year the rally monkey started.

“The fans here are awesome; they're passionate and energetic. Anytime the rally monkey comes up, it gets loud. It's a cool place."

It went from cool to quiet as Pierzynski lifted a 93-mph Ernesto Frieri fastball to the seats in the right-field pavilion. Josh Hamilton looked up as the ball sneaked into the first row of seats above the out-of-town scoreboard. Once folks here realized who had launched the backbreaking blast, it got loud.

Pierzynski, true to his label as Public Enemy No. 1, fed off the response.

"That's what A.J. is all about," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He's an exciting player. He gets excited about a lot of things. I love him. There's a lot of people that hate him, but I love him."

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Texas Rangers erased a three-run deficit in the seventh inning and A.J. Pierzynski delivered the go-ahead home run with two outs in the ninth to beat the Los Angeles Angels 7-6 on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series at Angel Stadium.

PODCAST
Manager Ron Washington joins Ian Fitzsimmons to discuss the Rangers' comeback win over the Angels, A.J. Pierzynski's value to the team and much more. Listen

The rally: Elvis Andrus and Lance Berkman singled to start the seventh, and Adrian Beltre followed with a walk to load the bases. Pierzynski then singled in Andrus before a fielder's choice and an error allowed the Rangers to plate the tying runs.

Limiting the big bats: Rangers pitchers struck out Albert Pujols three times and got him to ground into a double play. They weren't as successful against Josh Hamilton, who recorded his first four-hit game as an Angel (all were singles).

Sixth-inning struggle: Derek Holland couldn't escape a sixth-inning jam, giving up the go-ahead run on Chris Iannetta's two-out double. The left-hander had recorded five of his previous six outs via strikeout but was unable to put Iannetta away. Jason Frasor relieved him and immediately surrendered a two-run single that gave the Angels a three-run cushion.

Singles party: The Rangers' first eight hits were singles, as they struggled to deliver an early knockout punch against Joe Blanton, who had lost all three of his starts this season. With Texas unable to come up with a key hit, Blanton pitched into the sixth inning for the first time in an Angels uniform.

Rangy Rangers: David Murphy made a diving catch in left field to limit the damage in the fourth, and Andrus followed it up with a spectacular play deep in the hole an inning later to get the speedy Peter Bourjos out by a step.

Up next: Alexi Ogando (2-1, 3.32 ERA) looks to rebound Tuesday night from his forgettable start in Chicago, where he surrendered five runs in 2⅓ innings. The Angels will counter with left-hander Jason Vargas (0-2, 6.75 ERA). First pitch is at 9:05 p.m. CT on Fox Sports Southwest, ESPN-FM 103.3 and 1540-AM.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels received two bits of good news, and another not so good, before the series opener Monday against the Los Angeles Angels.

PODCAST
Manager Ron Washington joins Ian Fitzsimmons to discuss the Rangers' comeback win over the Angels, A.J. Pierzynski's value to the team and much more. Listen

Daniels had positive updates on pitchers Colby Lewis (forearm) and Martin Perez (wrist) –- who are expected to throw live batting practice this week -- but also found out the extent of Joakim Soria's latest setback.

Perez is scheduled to throw Tuesday and, if all goes well, would pitch some extended training this weekend.

"Based on how he feels there, he can go on a rehab assignment after that," Daniels said.

Lewis, meanwhile, is scheduled to participate in two sessions this week.

"If all goes well, [Colby] would be in a game next week," Daniels said. "Everyone would welcome having Colby back. We're not going to delay it, either."

A precautionary MRI exam on Soria revealed a Grade 1 strain of the right pectoral muscle. Soria, who is recovering from Tommy John ligament replacement surgery, won't be able to throw for two or three weeks.

"Realistically, it's going to push back his ETA to the big leagues by approximately a month," Daniels said. "We were hoping late May, but now we're looking closer to July 1.

“If there's a silver lining, not that we're looking for one here, it's another month for the arm."

Other Rangers notes

--Nick Tepesch has a visible scrape on his right wrist, but he expects to make his scheduled start Thursday in Minnesota. The right-hander felt as if he could continue pitching Saturday after being struck by a liner off the bat of Seattle's Jesus Montero, but he was pulled for precautionary reasons. "It's not too bad," said Tepesch, who threw his scheduled bullpen duty Monday. "It's not even bruised. It could have been a lot worse."

--Daniels said he expected to find out Tuesday about a makeup date for the April 17 game against the Chicago Cubs that was postponed due to rain. May 6 and May 9 are possibilities, with the Rangers scheduled to play a two-game series in Milwaukee beginning on May 7.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Catcher A.J. Pierzynski is back in the lineup Monday after a scheduled day off and hitting fifth as the Texas Rangers start their three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. The lineups:

RANGERS
2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
DH Lance Berkman
3B Adrian Beltre
C Pierzynski
RF Nelson Cruz
LF David Murphy
1B Mitch Moreland
CF Leonys Martin

ANGELS
CF Peter Bourjos
LF Mike Trout
DH Albert Pujols
1B Mark Trumbo
RF Josh Hamilton
2B Howie Kendrick
SS Brendan Harris
C Chris Iannetta
3B Luis Jimenez

The focus is off of Josh Hamilton's return to Texas and back on baseball as the Rangers swoop into Anaheim to begin a three-game series against the Angels on Monday night at Angels Stadium.

There will still be interest in Hamilton because of his brutal beginning with the Angels -- a .176 batting average with two home runs. But the focus is and should be on the teams who both come into Monday's opener off of home sweeps against the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers, respectively.

Here's what's to watch for the next three nights:

Pujols hobbling: Albert Pujols will be in the Angels' lineup as the designated hitter for the fifth straight game Monday night; at least that appears to be the plan. You may have noticed that Pujols wasn't running well at all when the Angels were in Texas for the Rangers' home-opening series April 5-7. You can read more about Pujols' pain here. Pujols is still swinging that bat well with a .317 batting average, two home runs and 13 RBIs.

Angels' starting rotation: The Angels took a big hit when they lost Jered Weaver to a fractured right arm on April 9 after a start against the Rangers in Arlington. Weaver is expected to be out at least another month. The Angels starters have not been very good in his absence. Joe Blanton and Jason Vargas, who will pitch the first two games of this series, are a combined 0-5 with a 7.67 ERA. Wednesday's starter, right-hander Tommy Hanson, has been OK with a 2-1 record and a 4.24 ERA. Former Ranger C.J. Wilson (1-0, 4.13) was able to go six innings against Detroit on Sunday despite throwing 52 pitches in the first two innings. Garrett Richards (1-0, 2.55) has been the Angels' best starter filling in for Weaver after opening the season in the bullpen.

Infield injuries: The Angels have two starting infielders on the disabled list -- shortstop Erick Aybar and third baseman Alberto Callaspo. Third baseman Luis Jimenez, called up from Triple-A Salt Lake City on April 12, had a six-game hitting streak snapped Sunday. He is batting .370. Brendan Harris (.308 BA) and Andrew Romine (.077 BA) have been splitting time at shortstop.

Frieri the great: The Angels haven't been able to get to closer Ernesto Frieri much in save opportunities. He had his last save on April 14. He has two on the season. Frieri has pitched well at home, not allowing a run in four appearances. The Angels acquired him in one of the best trades of 2012 from the San Diego Padres.

The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels meet up again Monday night to start a three-game series in Anaheim. Rangers left-hander Derek Holland faces right-hander Joe Blanton in the opener at 9:05 p.m. on FSSW and ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM.

Derek Holland (1-1, 1.64): Holland is one of the hottest starting pitchers going in the American League. He is third in the AL with a 1.64 ERA, trailing Boston's Clay Buchholz (0.90) and Tampa Bay's Matt Moore (1.00). ... Holland earned his first victory in his last start Tuesday night at Chicago, throwing seven shutout innings with the temperature in the 30s at Wrigley Field. It was the second time in 93 career starts that Holland went seven innings or more and allowed no more than two hits, the other coming against Boston in 2011. ... He has gone at least seven innings in each start, allowing two earned runs or less, joining Buchholz and the New York Mets' Matt Harvey as the only starters to do that. ... Holland is 7-5 with a 5.36 ERA in 17 games (14 starts) vs. the Angels. ... He has steadily improved against the Angels, going 2-0 with a 4.79 ERA in his last three starts against the Halos. ... He is 4-3 with 4.81 in his career in Anaheim.

Joe Blanton (0-3, 8.59): Blanton, making his fourth start, is off to a rocky beginning with his new team. ... He lost in his last outing, allowing four earned runs and nine hits in a loss at Minnesota on Monday. ... Blanton has given up 26 hits in 14 2/3 innings, including six home runs -- the second most in the American League. ... He hasn't lasted more than five innings in his three starts, giving up at least four earned runs in each outing. ... Opposing batters are hitting .377 against Blanton. ... Blanton is 6-4 with a 4.89 ERA in 13 games (12 starts) against the Rangers, most of them coming when he was with the A's from 2005-08. ... He spent the last six seasons in the National League with the Phillies and the Dodgers.

Hitters: Several Angels hitters have good numbers against Holland, including Alberto Callaspo (12-for-34, 5 2Bs, 1 HR, 5 RBIs), Mike Trout (6-for-17, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs) and Howard Kendrick (14-for-41, 2 HRs, 10 RBIs). Adrian Beltre (13-for-48, 4 2Bs, 7 RBIs) has been the Rangers' best hitter against Blanton.

It has not been the kind of start Josh Hamilton had hoped for in an Angels uniform. But really, it's been a continuation of the struggles he had to finish the 2012 season. I don't think I need to revisit how things ended for Hamilton. We all remember the Oakland game, the AL wild-card game and the long stretch before that where he never really did find a consistent rhythm.

But as he prepares to face his former team for the second time this season -- and the first in Anaheim -- Hamilton is still trying to find any sense of a groove. He's hitting .176 this season and has 23 strikeouts in 68 at-bats.

And other teams are noticing. Did you see what the Detroit Tigers did in a tie game in the 12th inning yesterday? They walked Albert Pujols to get to Hamilton with two outs, putting the winning run on intentionally. And three pitches later -- all 4-seam fastballs from Phil Coke -- Hamilton was back in the dugout. It wasn't that long ago that the Yankees couldn't stop intentionally walking Hamilton in the ALCS out of fear. Now the guy in front of him is getting walked. Times have changed.

The LA Times reports that Hamilton has looked at video of his April from last year to see if there are any differences. He was on his way to player of the month honors in the AL at this time last year. But honestly, I'm not sure that will reveal much. Hamilton is a free swinger and he was swinging freely last April and May. But he was hitting those pitches and not missing any mistakes. He's struggling to do that so far this year.

The Angels are coming off a sweep of the Tigers and are feeling better, but they are still looking for Hamilton to get going. In that same LA Times article, Mike Scioscia doesn't answer directly whether he's thinking about dropping Hamilton in the order. Interesting.

We'll see how Hamilton responds this week as the Rangers play three against the Angels, starting tonight.