Series Preview: Angels Take on Potential Trade Partner Rays

By Jason Evans
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The Angels and Rays are set to face each other this weekend at the Big A. The Angels hold a 2.5 game lead over Tampa in the Wild Card Standings. The trade rumors surrounding both teams add a little extra to the series as well, since there are rumors of James Shields being traded, and the Angels being one of the interested teams.

The Angels come into the series dealing with some injuries, as Albert Pujols and Erick Aybar are dealing with nagging injuries. It sounds as if Pujols will be back in the lineup tonight after missing the finale against the Royals. Aybar is more of a question mark with his toe injury. He hasn’t played in a game since last weekend, when there were rumors of him possibly going on the DL.

The Angels will be skipping Ervin Santana this weekend, as they figure out exactly what they should do with him. Since the Angels had a day off, all of their starters will be on regular rest. I can’t see the Angels putting Ervin in the bullpen in long relief. I think if they can unload him in a deal for another starter they will. Here’s a look at the matchups this weekend.

Friday: Alex Cobb vs Dan Haren– 7:05 PT/10:05 ET

Saturday: Matt Moore vs C.J. Wilson– 6:05PT/9:05ET

Sunday: Jeremy Hellickson vs TBA- 12:35PT/3:35ET

Sunday’s starter really could be anyone. It could be Santana. It could be Zack Greinke if the Angels are able to swing a deal for him. It should be an interesting weekend. The last time these two teams played was in April in Tampa Bay where the Rays got the sweep.

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