Angels fall to Rangers, 8-2, thanks to Robinson Chirinos’ five RBIs

AT THE PLATE: The Angels threatened in the first two innings, but Rangers starter Nick Martinez got Matt Joyce to line out to shortstop and David Freese to ground out to first with two on to end the first, and Erick Aybar to ground into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded to end the second. Texas catcher Robinson Chirinos had a career-high five runs batted in, highlighting a three-run second with a two-run double and a four-run sixth with a three-run homer. Elvis Andrus had gone 481 at-bats without a homer before his solo shot to left in the sixth, the longest active streak in the major leagues.

ON THE MOUND: Angels left-hander Jose Alvarez replaced struggling starter Drew Rucinski with two outs in the third and retired seven straight batters, three by strikeout, but he was rocked for four runs and three hits in the sixth. Martinez (2-0) allowed no earned runs and five hits in seven innings. Relievers Mike Morin, Fernando Salas and Vinnie Pestano threw scoreless innings for the Angels.

REHAB REPORT: Garrett Richards, in the final stage of his recovery from left knee surgery, allowed four earned runs and seven hits, including a homer, in five innings Tuesday night, striking out five and walking four for triple-A Salt Lake at Fresno. The right-hander threw 91 pitches, 57 for strikes, and his fastball was clocked at 93 to 94 mph. Richards, who hasn’t pitched since last August, is expected to start for the Angels on Sunday in Houston.

ON THE SHELF: Kole Calhoun (right calf tightness) did not start for the third straight game, and the right fielder won’t start again until Friday or Saturday at the earliest. “It’s moving in the right direction,” Manager Mike Scioscia said, “but we don’t want to take a chance of setting him back a few weeks when it could be just a couple of days here.”

UP NEXT: Left-hander Hector Santiago (0-1, 5.06 earned-run average) will oppose Rangers right-hander Anthony Ranaudo (making his season debut) at Globe Life Park on Wednesday at 11 a.m. PDT. On the air: TV: FS West. Radio: 830.