Page’s Weekly LA Angels Predictions: Week Five

Thursday, May 4 @ Mariners

Probables: TBD vs. Ariel Miranda

In the series finale, the Mariners will send out Ariel Miranda. The left-handed pitcher is enjoying a solid season. He owns a 3.81 ERA so far, and is coming off a solid outing. In his last start, he allowed only one run on two hits over the course of 5.1 innings. He added seven strikeouts to that stat line. Miranda has seen limited time in the big leagues, but has found mixed results against the Angels. Albert Pujols is 0-8 against Miranda, Calhoun is 4-7 with a double, and Mike Trout is 1-4 with a big fly and four walks. The limited experience against Miranda could cause a slow start for the Angels, but they should be able to figure him out in their second time through the lineup.

The Angels have yet to announce a starter for Thursday’s game. This would be Tyler Skaggs‘ scheduled start, but he sits on the disabled list with a right oblique strain. The best bet to make the start on Thursday is Daniel Wright. Wright has made two appearances for the Angels this season. In his lone start of the season, Wright went five innings and gave up three hits. He allowed no runs. He did walk five batters however, which is a number that will cause trouble if it is repeated in the future.

Other options to start for the Angels could be Yusmeiro Petit, who owns a 3.14 ERA on the season. He has not made a start, but has been the Angels long reliever this season. His longest outing was three innings against the Toronto Blue Jays. He struck out four batters, gave up one hit, and allowed one unearned run.

Whoever starts for the Angels will not be asked to throw more than four or five innings. Odds are Thursday will be a bullpen heavy game for the Angels, which may not be a bad thing. Despite injuries, the bullpen has performed better than expected for most of the season.

Prediction- Angels 5, Mariners 3