LA Angels Series Preview: Angels @ Indians (8/3/18)

The story of this team just never seems to change. The LA Angels play like contenders against the Seattle Mariners while being embarrassed in a three game sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays. It’s true that the narrative doesn’t change, and this season despite all the changes we’ve seen to the this team the narrative stays the same. Under-performing when it matters, over-performing when it doesn’t.

The Angels took an ugly sweep at the hands of the Rays. Nothing seems to be going right for this team at all. The one point they grasp a solid winning week and throw it into the fire with a complete decay of any and all momentum. At this point there’s no telling which Angels team is going to show up; really, the only reason to keep watching is for Mike Trout and whoever your personal favorites are. This team can’t compete, and it would be wise not to expect anything more than mediocrity from this point on.

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Friday, 8/3; 4:10PM PT: Jaime Barria (6-7, 3.74 ERA) vs Mike Clevinger (7-7, 3.43 ERA)

Thursday, 8/4; 4:10PM PT: Felix Pena (1-2, 5.23 ERA) vs Corey Kluber (13-6, 2.79 ERA)

Sunday, 8/5; 4:10PM PT: Tyler Skaggs (8-7, 3.34 ERA) vs Shane Bieber (5-2, 4.73 ERA)

The Angels offense has been hot and cold as of late, well actually as of usual, so not much has changed. The Angels we’re able to put up 6 runs in a losing affair to the Rays before putting up two in the two following games. It’s been a rough go this season, and I don’t know if things will get any easier with Felix Pena on the mound. His last outing was nothing short of a travesty as he allowed seven runs while recording only one out. He’s going to have to get his head on straight fast with ace Corey Kluber on the mound opposing him.

Finishing off the series is Tyler Skaggs against Shane Bieber; a match that may actually go in the Angels favor for once. Despite Tyler Skaggs horrendous outing against the Rays in which he allowed 10 runs, a career high, he is still the top dog in this Angels staff. This will be the game to solidify his position once more with the rookie Shane Bieber on the mound, his last outing seeing him allow four runs in 6.1 IP.

What to look for

• Shohei Ohtani has seen his batting average dip steadily over the last two weeks, settling at .257 as of today. He’s only had to extra base hits, so we’ll need to see him pump his power numbers back up to standard with this series. It’s been a tough rookie season for Ohtani given his health issues, and a strong finish to the season would be fantastic to see out of him. It would be even better to see him pitch a few times before the season closes, but that might just be wishful thinking.
• Mike Trout coming from from his wrist contusion. Fingers crossed.