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Jul 31, 2010 - 6:36 AM By MIKE LIPKA STATS Writer

Texas (60-43) at Los Angeles (53-52), 9:05 p.m. EDT

The Los Angeles Angels acquired Dan Haren to help them chase down the first-place Texas Rangers, and a bruised forearm isn't expected to stop him from a quick introduction into the AL West race.

Haren hopes to recover from a painful debut as the Angels seek a second straight win over the visiting Rangers on Saturday, just a few hours after an uncertain trade deadline for Los Angeles.

The Angels (53-52) have won five division titles in six years, but with key players Kendry Morales, Joel Pineiro and Scott Kazmir on the disabled list and an eight-game deficit to overcome, it's unclear what kinds of trades Los Angeles will pursue.

"If there's an opportunity to make us better," manager Mike Scioscia told the Angels' official website, "of course we'll consider it."

Last weekend, the Angels added immediate help by sending four players to Arizona for Haren. The three-time All-Star made his debut Monday against Boston, striking out eight in 4 2-3 innings but leaving after being struck in the arm by a Kevin Youkilis line drive.

Haren (0-1, 3.86 ERA) gave up two runs and seven hits during the 6-3 loss to Boston, the fifth straight decision the right-hander has lost, but he's hoping to bounce back despite the injury Saturday.

"Barring any setbacks, I should be good to go," Haren said this week. "It's obviously still bruised and a little tight, but I don't see it being a problem. ... I only threw 62 pitches Monday, so I feel real fresh, so I'll have plenty in the tank on Saturday."

He'll hope for plenty of support from a resurgent offense that helped the Angels snap a four-game losing streak with Friday night's 9-7 win over the Rangers. Los Angeles was in desperate need of the victory after dropping seven of eight, including three of four at Texas from July 22-25.

The Rangers (60-43) are still in control of the West, and they've made several recent deals in hopes of maintaining that position. Texas acquired ace Cliff Lee and catcher Bengie Molina earlier this month, then added Jorge Cantu from Florida and Cristian Guzman from Washington this week.

Cantu is expected to get his first start Saturday, while Guzman may join him as he helps to fill in for injured second baseman Ian Kinsler.

Texas also hopes Rich Harden (3-3, 5.68) can provide a boost as he's activated from the disabled list to make his first start since June 11, replacing the struggling Scott Feldman in the rotation.

Harden has walked 43 in 65 innings, averaging five innings per start, but Rangers manager Ron Washington was satisfied after the right-hander struck out 10 in six innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.

"We told him he had to go down to Triple-A and dominate - and in his last start, he dominated," Washington said. "So we're going to give him the ball."

Harden, who had been dealing with a strained left gluteus muscle, was Haren's teammate in Oakland from 2005-07.

The Rangers hope Josh Hamilton, the majors' leading hitter with a .362 average, will be available after he left Friday's game due to knee tendinitis.