The Los Angeles Angels are back in the winning column after back-to-back victories against the San Francisco Giants to close out a lackluster 2-5 homestand. Now, they face a significant challenge as they embark on a six-game Texas road trip that begins with three bouts with the Houston Astros.
The Halos have struggled with the Astros this season, holding a 3-7 record against their American League West foes. However, six of the seven losses have been by three runs or less and four have been by two runs or less. The Angels have had their fair share of struggles closing out games this season, and the Astros have been a part of that plague.
But this series comes at a vital time for the Angels. At 58-58, the Angels are 6.5 games back of the third wild card spot, eight games back of the Astros and 10 games back of the AL West lead. Any series loss, especially against a divisional opponent, would be devastating at this stage.
The Halos went 1-3 last time they were in Houston and look to reverse their close-game fortune in the hopes of quickly making up ground in the AL wild card race.
The series begins with an intriguing matchup on the mound between the decorated and recently-returned veteran Justin Verlander and the promising young lefty Reid Detmers. Tyler Anderson and Chase Silseth also project to get the ball in this series.
The Halos are 4-9 in their last 13, but are not too far removed from an 8-1 stretch in the middle of July. Now would be the time to return to that rhythm.
Following the Astros series, the Angels will stay in Texas and head to Arlington to face the Texas Rangers in another three-game bout. The Angels are 4-3 against the Rangers this season, but Texas continued to load up at the trade deadline with the addition of Max Scherzer as they make a run at World Series contention.
They are currently leading the way in the AL West and have a two-game lead on the Astros, though that figures to change over the weekend.
Angels vs. Astros Preview & TV Info
Game 1
Friday, Aug. 11, 5:10 p.m. PT
TV: Bally Sports West
Reid Detmers vs. Justin Verlander
Game 2
Saturday, Aug. 12, 4:15 p.m. PT
TV: FOX
Tyler Anderson vs. J.P. France
Game 3
Sunday, Aug. 13, 11:10 a.m. PT
TV: Bally Sports West
Chase Silseth vs. Jose Urquidy
