The set-up: The Los Angeles Angels will host the Texas Rangers Thursday night in the finale of a four-game series between the two AL wild card contenders. The Rangers won 7-5 (10-innings) on Wednesday, giving them wins in two of the first three in this series, as well as seven wins over their last 10, overall. At 63-63, Texas sits two games out of the final AL wild card spot, held by the Twins. Meanwhile, the 65-62 Angels sit one-half game back of the Twins, in a virtual tie with the 64-61 Royals. This AL wild card chase will likely go down to the final weekend of the season.

The pitching matchup: Martin Perez (8-10 & 5.26 ERA) starts for Texas and Troy Scribner (2-0 & 3.46) for LA. Perez received ample support Saturday against the Chicago White Sox (Rangers won 17-7) and won his third straight start despite allowing six runs over six innings. He owns a 6.86 ERA in his last seven starts (since July 19) but is somehow 3-4. Perez is 2-4 with a 3.53 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts / Rangers are 4-5) against Los Angeles, including 1-3 with a 5.47 ERA in four outings at Angel Stadium. Scribner will be recalled from Triple-A to start in place of JC Ramirez, who is out indefinitely with a right elbow strain. The 26-year-old rookie made his second career start on Aug. 9 against Baltimore, allowing one run with no walks over five innings of a 5-1 victory. Scribner owns an 11-4 record and 4.35 ERA in 20 games (19 starts) for Salt Lake this season.

The pick: Perez may own three straight wins but in a team-leading 24 starts, he owns a 1.57 WHIP and .306 BAA to go along with his bloated 5.26 ERA in 2017. Mike Trout and Co. should have few problems with this lefty. Make LA an 8* play.