The Los Angeles Angels are happy to be home after a tough stretch in the state of Texas after a few sobering matchups with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.
Going 2-4 in their six games with both division opponents, the Angels now sit 12.5 games out of the American League West, and seven out of a spot in the AL Wild Card race. They trail the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners on the list of clubs vying for the third slot.
They open up a set with the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, who have a solid 5.5 game lead over the Astros for the first Wild Card, and figure to keep that in their possession. Angels general manager Perry Minasian has voiced his support for his roster, saying their main battle is to continue putting their best foot forward.
Angels manager Phil Nevin is hoping that left-hander Tyler Anderson can get back on track, young right hander Chase Silseth can continue his solid run, and Patrick Sandoval will have better luck against the Rays.
The Angels haven’t faced the Rays this season, but in a home matchup, they’ve had more luck than on the road, logging a 31-28 record at Angel Stadium.
The Rays will be without star infielder Wander Franco, as he’s been placed on MLB’s restricted list due to an off the field matter.
Rays vs. Angels Series Preview & TV Info
Game 1
Friday, Aug. 18, 6:38 PM PT
TV: Bally Sports West
Tyler Anderson vs. Erasmo Ramírez
Saturday, Aug. 19, 1:00 PM PT
TV: Bally Sports West
Chase Silseth vs. Zach Eflin
Saturday, Aug. 19, 6:00 PM PT
TV: Bally Sports West
Patrick Sandoval vs. Tyler Glasnow
Things to look out for in Angels series with Rays
Avoiding sweeps to the Astros and Rangers, Nevin’s club will need to capitalize against a Rays team that has been decimated with injuries to their starting rotation.
Silseth had pitched fantastic as of late, and the continued maturation in his early career is a breath of fresh air for a team void of front-end starting stuff.
The Angels must receive not only length from their starters, but quality, because of their recent inability to stay in games long enough to allow the offense to tack on.
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