AL West Lead Is at Stake

How important do the Angels consider the three-game series they’ll open against the Texas Rangers tonight at Angel Stadium?

“The whole season is riding on Monday,” Manager Mike Scioscia deadpanned.

Scioscia made it clear that he was joking, but the series could have an effect on the American League West because the first-place Angels maintained a 1 1/2 -game lead over the Rangers after both teams lost Sunday.

“The standings are neither here nor there right now,” Scioscia said. “You need to bring your style of play to the field every day.

“Definitely, as you get into a pennant race and get into September, there are things you look at.... Everything is going to be magnified in games like those. Right now our goal isn’t to magnify any game or series. It’s to play our game on a daily basis, and that’s what we’re concentrating on.”

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Esteban Yan, who gave up two hits in two scoreless innings and has pitched well in his last three outings, may have found a comfortable setup position after experimenting with several unsuccessful versions.

An effective Yan and a steady Joel Peralta could be vital to the Angels if Brendan Donnelly loses his appeal of the 10-day suspension he drew for having pine tar on his glove.

“The role we were looking to have filled, if he’s inconsistent, it’s going to be tough for him to fill,” Scioscia said of Yan.

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Tim Salmon, recovering from surgery on his left knee and right shoulder, was in Anaheim for the weekend to get a checkup from Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Angels’ medical director.

Salmon, who has been doing his rehabilitation work in Tempe, Ariz., and was last in Anaheim three weeks ago, said his progress has been slow but good. He said he was able to swing a bat last week but felt some soreness afterward. “It’s a rehab that’s going to be a lengthy one,” he said.

Despite the tedium, he plans to return.

“That’s my intent. That’s why I’m doing all the work,” he said.

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Kelvim Escobar, on the disabled list because of a bone spur in his right elbow, threw in the bullpen Sunday without problems. Barring any aftereffects today, he will throw again Tuesday or Wednesday.

“This keeps him on his progression,” Scioscia said. “This has to go at its own pace, and we’re still moving forward.”

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ON DECK

Opponent -- Texas Rangers, three games.

Site -- Angel Stadium.

TV -- FSN West tonight and Wednesday, Channel 9 Tuesday.

Radio -- 710, 1020.

Records -- Angels 39-29, Rangers 37-30.

Record vs. Rangers -- 4-2.

Tonight, 7 -- Paul Byrd (6-5, 4.18) vs. Chris Young (6-3, 2.78).

Tuesday, 7 p.m. -- Bartolo Colon (8-4, 2.90) vs. Chan Ho Park (7-1, 5.15).

Wednesday, 7 p.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (3-3, 3.62) vs. Kenny Rogers (9-2, 1.98).