- What: MLB Regular Season Game
- When: Friday, July 26
- Who: Oakland Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels
- Time: 9:38 p.m. ET
- Where: Angel Stadium (Anaheim, CA)
The Athletics are heading to Los Angeles to take on the Angels in a game that features two struggling teams. Despite encountering difficulties this season, both squads have displayed signs of improvement in the lead-up to this matchup.
When the Athletics visit the Los Angeles Angels for the second game of their four-game series, they will aim to build on their successful July performance.
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics have posted a 41-63 record so far, with their offense and pitching both ranking near the bottom of the MLB. Despite these challenges, players like JJ Bleday, Abraham Toro, Shea Langeliers, and Brent Rooker have stood out.
JP Sears has been solid on the mound, while Hogan Harris and Paul Blackburn have been decent in an otherwise struggling rotation.
Overall, the Athletics have had a tough time and are among the worst teams in the league as they enter the second half of the season.
Pauly B is back on the mound ???? pic.twitter.com/xtcwmgmQrS
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) July 26, 2024
Offensively, the Athletics have been one of the worst in the MLB, ranking 27th in team batting average at .231, up slightly from a league-worst .222 last season.
Brent Rooker has been a bright spot, leading the team in several categories: batting average (.290), home runs (23), RBIs (69), on-base percentage (.369), and total hits (94).
The Athletics face an intriguing matchup against Angels pitcher Fulmer, who has only a few starts but has performed well in relief.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels have had a tough season, currently holding a 45-57 record. However, they’ve won four straight games heading into their matchup against the Athletics.
The team’s offense has been inconsistent, and their pitching staff ranks among the worst in the MLB.
Despite these struggles, players like Taylor Ward, Zach Neto, Logan O’Hoppe, Mike Trout, and Anthony Rendon have been trying to carry the load offensively.
Tyler Anderson and Jose Soriano have been bright spots on the pitching side in an otherwise challenging season. The Angels have struggled to find consistency, and there’s not much optimism as they enter the latter part of the season.
Movin’ and groovin’ ????#RepTheHalo pic.twitter.com/ZfhOhmcJke
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 26, 2024
Carson Fulmer will be starting on the mound for the Angels in this game. He has a 0-2 record, a 3.66 ERA, and a 1.24 WHIP, allowing 23 runs on 39 hits with 25 walks and 52 strikeouts over 51.2 innings.
The Angels have lost both games he’s started this season, though he’s shown potential in the bullpen. Fulmer faces a favorable matchup against the Athletics, who have also struggled offensively.
The Angels’ offense ranks 22nd in team batting average at .235, a drop from last season’s .254. Logan O’Hoppe, Jo Adell, Nolan Schanuel, and Zach Neto lead the team in various batting categories.
O’Hoppe has the highest batting average at .276, Schanuel leads in OBP at .331, Neto has the most hits with 87, and Adell leads in home runs with 15 and RBIs with 46.
While the offense has been underwhelming this season, they have a good opportunity against Athletics pitcher Joey Estes, who has also struggled.
A’s-Angels Best Bet
Both the Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels have faced challenges this year, but they are currently performing well. The Angels seem to have more momentum heading into this game.
Fulmer has been consistent this season, both as a starter and in the bullpen, making him a more reliable choice than Blackburn for Oakland.
The Angels also appear to have the stronger offense in this matchup. It’s likely that the Angels will perform well at home and will even secure a victory. I’d take the Angels on the moneyline in this one.
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