Game: Houston Astros @ Los Angeles Angels
Time: 9:38 p.m.
Odds: Astros +135, Angels -155
Total: 7.5
The Los Angeles Angels want to return from the All-Star break in a stronger position than when they started. Tonight in Anaheim, California, they will host the Houston Astros in the first game of a three-game series, giving them their first chance to turn things around.
The Angels have dropped out of a wild-card spot that they briefly held at the end of June after losing five straight games and nine of their last 10. Phil Nevin, the manager of the Los Angeles Angels, is hoping that the second half of the season will be a fresh start for his team.
The recent decline of the Angels was accompanied by a spate of injuries. Most recently, on July 3, three-time American League MVP Mike Trout suffered a fractured hamate bone, sidelining him for at least the remainder of this month.
Shortstop Zach Neto’s oblique injury forced him to miss June 15’s game, and he hasn’t played since. Infielder Gio Urshela, a versatile player, suffered a fractured pelvis that same day, ending his season.
Second baseman Brandon Drury (shoulder) and third baseman Anthony Rendon have since joined Neto and Urshela on the injured list. Rendon missed 12 games after being hit in the forearm by a pitch and then sat out the final three games before the break after a pitch fouled off his shin.
The past two weeks have been difficult for us for a variety of reasons, according to Nevin. The Angels didn’t play well overall. Despite having a fair number of injuries, the team’s performance has been poor. Nevin believes the Angels are better than their last ten games.
Before the All-Star break, the Astros suffered three of four losses to the Seattle Mariners, but they only trail the Texas Rangers by two games for first place in the AL West. Houston is also dealing with some injuries, most notably to left fielder Yordan Alvarez and second baseman Jose Altuve, who are both out with oblique injuries. Jose Urquidy, a right-handed pitcher for the Astros, is also out with a sprained right shoulder.
Reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani will start the first game of the series for the Angels. Ohtani (7-4, 3.32 ERA) lost his most recent game on July 4 to the San Diego Padres, surrendering five runs and seven hits over five innings.
Right-handed pitcher J.P. France will start for the Astros. France (4-3, 3.26) has won his last two starts, most recently defeating the Colorado Rockies 6-4 on July 5 after allowing three runs and six hits over the course of six innings.
Houston is 8-4 SU over its last 12 games. The Astros have won five of their last six games on the road and five of the last six that they have played against the Angels. The Angels have lost five straight and have won just once in their last five home games.
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