TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -Shane Loux was not impressed with his last audition for a spot in the banged-up Los Angeles Angels' rotation.

Loux gave up three runs - two earned- in five innings of the Angels' 5-4 loss to the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.

``It's been a rough spring to be honest with you,' Loux said. ``My command hasn't been where I want it to be. I made progress and I feel good going into the season. My arm feels good. The body isn't an issue.'

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Loux gave up six hits in his fourth start and six appearance this spring.

With injuries to John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Kelvim Escobar, the Angels' starting rotation is in dissaray. Loux is one of a handful of candidates for one of the open spots to start the season.

``He's certainly a guy that's competing for a spot in our rotation and a spot on our pitching staff,' Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. ``He wasn't all that sharp today. But his stuff is there. He just hasn't been able to locate it like he needs to the last couple of outings. Shane has thrown the ball well prior to the last two outings.'

Josh Hamilton hit his seventh homer of the spring, off Loux, and Andruw Jones hit his third homer in the ninth. Omar Vizquel and Jones had two hits apiece in the Rangers' 12-hit attack.

Matt Brown hit his third homer and Robb Quinlan his fourth for the Angels.

Rangers starter Doug Mathis allowed three hits and three runs over four innings in his third spring start. He was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City after the game.

Loux his hoping to not be sent to the minors after spring training for the first time in his career.

``For 12 or 13 years, playing all over the country, up and down, my goal has always been to be a major leaguer on Day 1,' Loux said. `` It's never happened for me. Obviously it's a dream. I'm not going to take anything for granted on April 6. It's going to be a special moment for me. I'm a fan of the game and it's going to mean a lot to me.'