LOOKING AHEAD / ANGELS

Opponent: Texas Rangers.

Schedule: Monday, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. (all times Pacific).

Site: The Ballpark at Arlington.

Matchup: The cover of the Rangers’ media guide proclaims “Home run countdown” and features pictures of sluggers Alex Rodriguez and Rafael Palmeiro, who began the season on the brink of milestone homer totals. With Rodriguez already having launched his 300th --off Angel pitcher Ramon Ortiz, no less -- and Palmeiro only a handful away from No. 500, there doesn’t appear much more to be excited about for the Rangers this season.

*

Opponent: Seattle Mariners.

Schedule: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.

Site: Edison Field.

Matchup: This rivalry intensified last week when the Mariners voiced concerns that Angel pitcher Kevin Appier had doctored the baseball during his six-inning performance April 9. Appier, who picked up the victory in that game while using a cut fastball, a new pitch in his repertoire, bristled at the accusation. Seattle hitters, shut down by Appier and Jarrod Washburn as the Angels won two of three games in the series, will get another look at Appier during this series. Randy Winn is off to a fast start with the Mariners.

-- Ben Bolch