Opening up a three-game series with their cross-town rivals, the Angels will make their way to Dodger Stadium this evening. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 9:10 p.m.
Keeping the Ball Rolling
While they are still quite a few games back in the division, they are only six games out of the second wild-card spot in the American League. The Angels are coming off of a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers and hoping that momentum can help them against one of the most dominant teams in baseball.
One thing to note when looking at the offense of the Angels is the lack of play from their captain, and quite possibly the best player to ever play the game, Mike Trout, is still not in the lineup with a calf issue. When he got hurt back in May, the timetable was two months tops, however here we are in August, and he has still not made it back on the field. If the Angels are going to make any type of run, they will definitely need him to come back.
Taking the mound for the Angels will be the 24-year-old Patrick Sandoval. 1-3 in his last four starts, Sandoval is trying to get the season going back in the right direction. In 68 innings, he has struck out 80 batters, but he has walked 28 as well. If he can limit his walks and continue getting guys to swing and miss, Sandoval could finish the season strong.
Dodgers Need Something
Since the start of the second half of the season, the Dodgers have just seemed off. Watching Dodger games, there just seems to be something missing. Could it be the play of guys they needed to step up being less than impressive or the way the club is still dealing with the Bauer situation, and it is making headlines every week. Not sure, but this club has to start picking things up and quickly.
This team is filled with offensive weapons, from top to bottom. They have guys who can hit for power, guys who can dink and dunk base hits, and they have guys that can steal bases. The only problem is, they have struggled to put it all together at the same time it feels like. Coming off a big win against the Astros, scoring seven runs, the Dodgers have to hope this will spark a winning streak and an attempt to catch the Giants.
David Price will be on the bump for the Dodgers. The thirteen-year veteran is looking to find some youth to finish out this season. With a current record of 4-1, he is holding a 3.55 era and will be making his first start in August after a single inning of bullpen work on the 1st. While he is finding ways to get wins, opponents are batting .284 off Price, which is the worst in his career.
Betting Analysis
- Los Angeles Angels Moneyline +184
- Los Angeles Dodgers Moneyline -200
- Total Runs: 8½ Over -110, Under -110
This game will be under the National League rules, which is worth noting for Ohtani watch. If Shohei is going to hit, he will have to start the game in an outfield position. With these two guys on the mound, expect a lot of runs to be scored.
Free Pick: Over 8½ -110
.