3 players who need a stronger series against the Mariners

2) LA Angels 3B Anthony Rendon needs a stronger series against the Mariners

Like Renfroe, Rendon had a memorable moment, albeit one that Angels fans will want to forget. Rendon's altercation thankfully didn't result in a suspension, at least not yet, but the Angels third baseman did also hurt his knee in the second game of the series running into the tarp chasing a foul pop-up.

Rendon was okay, but was pulled from the game early with the Angels holding a massive lead and sat the following day. The Angels said it was a pre-planned day off for Rendon which makes sense due to his injury history, but that same injury history is why it was a bit concerning to not see him starting the series finale.

Assuming he is okay, Rendon will be in the lineup for the opener and presumably all three games of this Mariners series. Assuming he plays, the Angels will need him to be better than he was in Oakland.

Rendon hit cleanup in each of the first two games of the series in Oakland and went hitless in six at-bats. He did draw a walk and also hit a sacrifice fly, both of which are good. Rendon, however, needs to be better than he was.

In the first game of the series, he had two at-bats with two baserunners on. The Athletics opted to intentionally walk Ohtani to face Rendon the second time. He went hitless in those at-bats and the Angels lost 2-1. It's certainly not only Rendon's fault that they lost that game, but he needs to come through with clutch hits so teams actually pitch to Trout and Ohtani.

3) LA Angels RP Aaron Loup needs a stronger series against the Mariners

Aaron Loup's first outing of the season was disastrous. The first batter he faced, the light-hitting Estuery Ruiz, singled to right. The following batter, another light-hitting Athletic who also just so happened to be left-handed, hit an RBI double to tie the game. Loup entered in a 1-0 lead and once Ryan Tepera gave up the go-ahead single to score Loup's runner, the Angels were down 2-1.

Just like Rendon, Loup is not the only reason the Angels lost that opener. He was, however, used in a critical situation and came up short. He recorded just one out and gave up the lead.

I don't know if Loup is still Phil Nevin's number one choice as the primary left-hander out of the bullpen, but assuming he is, he needs to be better.

Fortunately, the Mariners top hitters are mostly right-handed so Loup theoretically wouldn't be counted on as much in the highest-leverage spot, but if the Angels need someone to get Kolten Wong, Jarred Kelenic, or Tommy La Stella out, Loup could easily be the guy they turn to.

Loup having a productive series in Seattle would obviously help the Angels tremendously in the win-column, but will also help solidify Nevin's choice in having him as the primary lefty over guys like Matt Moore and Jose Quijada.

Getting good production from Loup and the rest of the Angels bullpen would provide a real confidence boost for not only the Angels but also Angels fans.