The world knew the World Series champion Houston Astros would be a load in 2018. But in the early going it looks like the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are ready to contend, too.

The Angels are 8-3 for the first time since 1987, and fourth time in franchise history. Shohei Ohtani, the rookie two-way standout who was chosen AL Player of the Week,

But the Angels didn't need Ohtani in the lineup to earn an 8-3 victory Monday night at Globe Life Park. They have other stars besides their prized free agent add from Japan. Mike Trout is hitting just .222 entering Tuesday but has three home runs and eight RBIs. Veteran Albert Pujols hit his 616th career homer Monday. 
"He's getting comfortable in the box," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "It's fun to watch when he's starting swinging like that."
For the Rangers, Doug Fister (1-2) struck out five with no walks while allowing three runs in his five innings.
"He had a good sinker," manager Jeff Banister said. "Looked like the one pitch to Pujols was left up, but felt like he was making some good pitches."
SHORT HOPS
Scioscia said 2B Ian Kinsler "worked out well" before the game and was "very close." He hasn't played since the season opener because of a strained groin.
Rangers: 2B Rougned Odor left the game in the first because of a left hamstring strain sustained when trying to scramble back to first base on a short flyout to right. He tweaked the hamstring stretching for a throw at second base at Oakland on Thursday, but played all three games over the weekend against Toronto. "At this point, do expect that he's going to miss some time," Banister said.
Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre's single in the fourth was his 3,060th career hit, matching Craig Biggio for 23rd on the all-time list.

 

 

NEXT FIVE

 

Wednesday — LA Angels (Parker Bridwell 0-0, 32.40) at Texas (Matt Moore 0-2, 11.05), 7:05 p.m., FSSW

Friday— Texas (Mike Minor 1-1, 2.53) at Houston (Gerrit Cole 1-0, 0.64), 7 p.m., FSSW

Saturday — Texas (Cole Hamels, 1-2, 6.19) at Houston (Charlie Morton, 2-0, 0.00), 3:10 p.m., FSSW

Sunday —Texas (Doug Fister 1-2, 3.95) at Houston (Justin Verlander 2-0, 1.45), 7 p.m., ESPN

Monday — Texas (Martin Perez 1-0, 5.06) at Tampa Bay (Blake Snell 0-1, 5.00), 6 p.m., FSSW