#Angels vs. Rangers prediction: Expect runs galore

The Rangers will look to trade-deadline acquisition Spencer Howard to turn over a new leaf in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday against the Angels. 

Howard made 11 total appearances and seven starts this season with the Phillies prior to being dealt to Texas. He struggled with command (5.4 walks per nine innings), leading to a lack of length, and never has gone four innings this season. In career 17 appearances, he never has lasted longer than five innings. 

The Angels oppose him with their own struggling starter, Dylan Bundy. In his past nine starts and 13 overall appearances — he was demoted to the bullpen in June — Bundy has a 9.16 ERA with opponents hitting .304 with 2.8 home runs per nine innings. In his lone start against the Rangers this season, he surrendered five runs in five innings. 

The Angels back up Bundy with a bullpen that entered Wednesday ranked 22nd in the majors in ERA. Despite having scored the second-fewest runs per game in MLB since the All-Star break, the Angels rank seventh in home runs with 1.3 per game. 

The Rangers entered Wednesday having allowed at least four runs in 19 of their past 24 games and having scored at least four runs scored in four of their past five games, so both offenses will ignite in Texas on Thursday. 

The play: Angels-Rangers total, Over 9.5 runs.