The Los Angeles Angels wrapped up a six-game homestand on Wednesday, and head to Citi Field to take on the New York Mets in a three-game set beginning on Friday.
Unfortunately, the club learned of some backbreaking news regarding superstar Shohei Ohtani following the nightcap of their doubleheader with the Cincinnati Reds. The two-way phenom had suffered a tear in his right elbow, and will force him to shut down his usage as a starting pitcher for the remainder of the year.
Going 1-5 at home and being swept by the Reds, pail in comparison to what Ohtani’s impact means to this Angels franchise. But they’ll have to figure it out, even more so that Mike Trout was also placed back on the injured list, as his left hand had not felt good in his short return.
The Angels shift gears, however, and need to continue playing for some purpose, if to just play spoiler to the teams remaining on their schedule. With a record of 61-67, general manager Perry Minasian failed to flip the extra switch, propelling them into the postseason conversation.
In the Mets, their season ended months ago, but they had the mental wherewithal to pull the plug and sell-off their high-priced assets. At 59-69, they hold the fourth spot in the National League East and could wind up in last place by the end of the weekend.
Both franchises were dance partners at the deadline, with one deal in particular benefitting the Angels, in Eduardo Escobar being traded away. The Mets paid down the infielder’s salary to league minimum for the remainder of the season, in exchange for a pair of Minor League arms.
The Angels could get the final laugh in this matchup, though, with the struggling right-handers of the Mets going in games two and three. The only downside is the loss of Ohtani and Trout, and how that impacts the lineup going forward.
Angels vs. Mets Series Preview & TV Info
Game 1
Friday, Aug. 25, 4:10 PM PT
TV: Bally Sports West
Patrick Sandoval vs. Kodai Senga
Game 2
Saturday, Aug. 26, 4:10 PM PT
TV: Bally Sports West
Chase Silseth vs. Carlos Carrasco
Game 3
Sunday, Aug. 27, 9:05 AM PT
TV: Bally Sports West
TBD vs. David Peterson
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