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Angels hope to get boost in pursuit of best record in AL

Sep 19, 2008 - 10:22 AM LA Angels (93-59) at Texas (75-78) 8:05 p.m. EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim finally rediscovered their offense. Now, if they can get healthy, the lineup would really increase the team's chances of claiming home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Angels hope to have two key players back on Friday when they meet the Texas Rangers.

Anaheim, which sits 2 1/2 games in front of the Tampa Bay Rays (90-61) for the best record in the American League, scored three runs in its first two games against the Oakland Athletics, but avoided a sweep by claiming the series finale, 6-4, on Thursday.

The six runs were the most scored by the Angels in five games as they have been without slugger Vladimir Guerrero and Juan Rivera due to right knee inflammation and a right hip flexor sprain, respectively. However, both players are expected to return this weekend, if not for the series opener.

Guerrero and Rivera's return is good news for Jon Garland (14-8, 4.47 ERA), who has struggled against the Rangers. Garland is 5-8 with a 5.85 ERA in 19 games - 18 starts - lifetime vs. Texas. The 28-year-old righthander has been had trouble in two starts this season, posting a 1-1 record and 8.31 ERA.

Rookie Matt Harrison (8-3, 5.06) will try to duplicate his last start when he counters for the Rangers. Harrison earned his first major league shutout on Friday, allowing five hits and four walks while striking out five during Texas' 7-0 victory against the Athletics.