With Mike Trout currently out of the lineup with an injury, this series hasn’t been easy for the Angels. They have played some inspiring ball since tragically losing Tyler Skaggs, including the crazy number of numerical accolades they accomplished in the game in which they were honoring him. They are, however, just one large winning streak away from being in contention.
The Astros, on the other hand, have continued to keep the wins coming. They are now 23 games over .500 and have not done much wrong. They have most of their injured players back from the injured list and are nearly at full strength. Their starting rotation alone is good enough to win them games, but then you throw in a stellar bullpen, and one of the best offensive lineups in all of MLB, you have a contender.
Missing In Action
Mike Trout has once again been on another level with his 30 HRs and 75 RBI, batting .305 on the year. But he has missed the team’s last three games, and they are missing him out there. Albert Pujols has been showing signs of age but has knocked in 55 runs. They are also desperately missing Tommy La Stella, who is missing most of the remainder of the year. They did finally get back Andrelton Simmons, but the constant shuffling of guys in and out of the lineup is making this thing a little difficult. The starting rotation and bullpen both continue to falter, but there is time for them to go on a run.
They will be sending Matt Harvey, formerly known as The Dark Knight, to the mound for his 12th start of the year. He has posted a 3-4 record with a 6.88 ERA. He has 38 Ks and 24 BBs in 54 2/3 innings, unable to show the same magic he had in Cincy last year.
Getting Healthy
They will be getting Carlos Correa back next week, and then they will officially be at full strength. Jose Altuve has been crushing the ball, regardless of the talented pitcher throwing it his way over the past few weeks. Michael Brantley is continuing to look like a dark-horse (but unlikely to win) AL MVP candidate, with his .324 average and 116 hits in 358 at-bats. They have a starting rotation led by Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole which can challenge any other 1-2 punch in the entire major leagues. Their biggest competition remains the Yankees.
Wade Miley is making his 20th start of the season tonight. He has posted a 7-4 record with a 3.32 ERA. He has 91 strikeouts and 34 walks in 108 1/3 innings of work. He has proved to be a more than capable No. 3 starter.
Angels Win Series Finale
Make sure you bet on the Angels. They will come away with a win in this one, led by Shohei Ohtani.
Free Pick: Angels
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