Rays vs Angels Series Preview Archives

The New What Next: Rays vs Halos — a series preview

May 17, 2018 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

After dropping three of four in Baltimore, the Rays bounced back to sweep the Royals. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays are set to kick off a four-game visit to Angel Stadium in Anaheim, where they will battle the Los Angeles Angels this weekend. Tampa Bay is coming off a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals, while Los Angeles just dropped two-of-three to the AL West leading Houston Astros.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

Tampa Bay enters the series with a 19-22 record on the season, although the team was able to take all three games at Kaufman Stadium — the Rays’ first sweep of the Royals since 2011, and the first in Kansas City since 2009. Prior to that, they had lost six of seven following a spate of play where the team was able to make up eight games in the loss column. If the Rays has any hope of being a part of the Wildcard race, then they will need to be much more consistent at the plate. To their credit, they were able to tag the Royals for 13 runs, although they have averaged just 3.67 runs per game over their last nine games … and that just won’t get it done. While they have averaged 4.45 runs per game on the road this year, they have also allowed 5.45 runs per game under the same parameters.

The Angels have been very good at the plate so far, ranking sixth in the league in scoring — putting up 4.93 runs per game — while also ranking second in homers with 58. They, however, have averaged 4.12 runs per game at home, while in the same breath allowing 4.96 runs per game.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Tampa Bay took four of the seven games from the Halos last season (2-1 at Angel Stadium).

Pitching Probables

Over the next four days, Kevin Cash will lean on Chris Archer (2-3, 5.64 ERA), Blake Snell (4-3, 3.12 ERA), Ryan Yarbrough (3-2, 3.93 ERA) and Anthony Banda (0-0, 5.40 ERA). Mike Scioscia will counter with Tyler Skaggs (3-2, 3.07 ERA), Nick Tropeano (1-2, 3.64 ERA), Andrew Heaney (2-2, 3.93 ERA) and Shohei Ohtani (3-1, 3.58 ERA).

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Chris Archer was hit with the loss on Saturday against the Orioles, after he allowed six runs on seven hits and three walks over seven innings. He struck out four. It was Archer’s second seven inning start, yet his line left a lot to be desired thanks to the three long balls he allowed. The right-hander has now conceded nine home runs this season; he served up a homer in each of his first six starts, but kept the ball in the yard in his previous two outings heading into Saturday. He also allowed a steal of home (by Chance Sisco) and another run on a wild pitch. In spite of his 5.64 ERA across 52-2/3 innings, Archer has a solid 3.47 K/BB. He is 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA in five starts at Angel Stadium.

Tyler Skaggs gave up two earned runs on six hits over six innings against the Twins, striking out seven and walking two in a 5-4 loss. Despite the score, the southpaw put together a solid outing, and has pitched well all season (save for a rough outing against Boston on April 18, when he got tagged for six earned runs). His strikeout rate has been on an uptick lately, and he has punched out at least seven batters in three consecutive starts after managing that feat just once in his first five trips to the mound. He now has a 3.07 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP and a 3.54 K/BB over 44 innings this season. Contrary to the superlatives, Skaggs allowed five runs in his only appearance against Tampa Bay, and is 3-9 with a 4.81 ERA in 25 starts at Angel Stadium. This season he has relied primarily on his 92 mph four seam fastball resulting in a good number of swinging strikes, and a biting 75 mph curveball with sweeping glove-side movement, while also mixing in a 92 mph worm-killer sinker, and an 85 mph changeup with surprising cut action and sink.

Blake Snell took his third loss of the season on Sunday and is dealing with a sore right hip. The revelation came during manager Kevin Cash’s postgame press conference following a forgettable outing in which the left-hander allowed five earned runs on six hits over 3-1/3 innings against Baltimore. According to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) Cash made sure to emphasize that it is a “minor, minor injury,” but also conceded the discomfort was the primary reason why he opted to pull Snell after just 73 pitches, allowing that he didn’t think the Snell “looked quite like himself.” Snell has faced the Angels just once, but walked away as the hard luck loser after he put together a 6 IP/4 H/2 ER/7 K performance.

Nick Tropeano was credited with a no-decision in his last start on Saturday against Minnesota after the right-hander yielded three runs over six innings. This season he has relied primarily on his 91 mph four-seam fastball with natural sinking action and slight armside run, and an 80 mph 12-6 slider, while also mixing in an 82 mph splitter that dives down out of the zone, an 89 mph sinker with obvious tail, and a whiffy 82 mph changeup. He is 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA in two career starts against the Rays, but has not faced them since 2016. Tropeano is also 3-4 with a 4.56 ERA in 14 career starts at Angel Stadium. Key Matchup: Brad Miller (3-9, 2 HR, 3 RBI)

Ryan Yarbrough allowed one run on five hits and three walks over five innings to earn his third win of the season on Monday against the Royals. He struck out four. Yarbrough put together a somewhat surprising outing, in that his strike to ball rate sat at 60% as he walked three batters. It will be interesting to see if the southpaw can bounce back against Mike Trout and the Angels, who he has never faced.

Andrew Heaney fanned 10 over eight solid innings of one-run ball against the Astros on Monday. He later described the outing as the best of his career. Heaney has pitched to a 1.80 ERA over his last four starts for the Angels, although he is 6-4 with a 4.16 ERA in 17 starts at home. This season the left-hander has relied primarily on his 92 mph swing and miss sinker and a hard 80 mph curveball, while also mixing in a firm 84 mph worm-killer changeup with armside fade and natural sink. He has never faced the Rays. Key Matchup: Brad Miller (2-2)

Anthony Banda efficiently cruised through the Royals lineup, setting a quick pace and inducing lots of contact — prior to the fifth inning he had struck out only one batter. But it appeared that the wheels might fall off for the southpaw in that frame. As Banda pounded the zone, the Royals began to hit squibbers that found holes.

A pair of leadoff singles and a sacrifice bunt later, Kansas City had runners on second and third with just one out. Banda came back and coaxed a soft grounder to short out of Ryan Goins that was scored as an RBI fielder’s choice. The next batter, Whit Merrifield, sent a liner to left that dropped just in front of Span, who struggled with the ball. Merrifield tried to stretch his single into a double, and Span gunned him down at second. The Rays got out of the inning with the lead, yet the Royals cut the deficit to one. Kansas City later tied the game against the tandem of Jose Alvarado and Sergio Romo.

That’s not to say Banda performed poorly, because he didn’t. The left-hander went five innings, and didn’t walk a batter. He struck out one and threw just 52 pitches (38 strikes, 73% strike ratio), although he allowed three runs on six hits.

Shohei Ohtani, thrust into a six-man rotation, will get the start in the series finale. Ohtani is coming off a quality start against Minnesota — his fourth of the season — in which he allowed just three hits and collected 11 strikeouts. It’s also thought that he may see some at-bats leading up to his start. The two-way star has relied on a blazing 98 mph four-seam fastball, a firm and whiffy 88 mph splitter with slight cut action and has some natural sink, and a sweeping 83 mph slider with two-plane movement, while also mixing in a whiffy 75 mph curveball with exceptional bite and glove side movement.

Noteworthiness

— Christian Arroyo, the highly touted prospect acquired in the December trade of Evan Longoria to the Giants, was called up Wednesday when the Rays put RF Carlos Gomez on the DL so they could add another right-handed bat. The team also plans to have him step in for 3B Matt Duffy, who is out of the lineup, likely until Friday, after leaving Tuesday’s game with hamstring tightness.

Arroyo has been off to a slow start with Triple-A Durham, hitting .200 with one homer (albeit a grand slam) in 17 games, having missed time with a calf strain.

The New What Next: Rays Vs. Angels — a series preview

July 14, 2017 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

The Rays start the ceremonial second-half of the season four games over .500, and tied for second place in the AL East. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

With the first-half of the season behind them, the Tampa Bay Rays will begin a three-game weekend series against the Los Angeles Angels Friday night, at Angel Stadium. The Rays find themselves four games over .500, tied for second place in the AL East, and firmly in contention for a postseason berth. The Angels, on the other hand, are just two games under .500 and in second place in the AL West, but are 16-1/2 games behind the division leading Astros.

(Stats: ESPN)

Coming off a huge series victory against the Red Sox, Tampa Bay has an excellent opportunity to add some separation between the win and loss columns on the ledger, as the team will play their next 12 games against current sub-.500 teams Boding in their favor, the Rays are currently averaging 4.76 runs per game (ranking 13th in the Majors) and are hitting .257 as a team. Moreover, Tampa Bay’s pitching staff boasts a solid 4.10 team ERA, good for 10th in the Majors.

The low-scoring Angels are only averaging 4.10 runs per game (ranking 10th in the Majors), and own a .241 team batting average. The pitching staff isn’t terrible, carrying a decent 4.20 team ERA — good for 13th in the Majors.

Mike Trout, who was on track for arguably his best season before a thumb injury put him on the DL for seven weeks, will be activated prior to the first game of the series. Even so, the Rays are 21-8 in their last 29 games in Anaheim, and 2-2 against the Angels this season — both scenarios feature Trout in some capacity.

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Over the next three days, Kevin Cash will lean on Jacob Faria (4-0, 2.11 ERA, 3.17 FIP), Alex Cobb (7-6, 3.75 ERA, 4.12 FIP), and Chris Archer (7-5, 3.95 ERA, 3.16 FIP). Mike Scioscia will likely counter with Ricky Nolasco (4-10, 5.06 ERA, 5.62 FIP), Jesse Chavez (5-10, 4.99 ERA, 5.25 FIP), and a hurler to be named later.

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Pitching Matchups

Faria will take the mound for the seventh time of the season, looking to continue his dominant performance. Faria limited Boston to just one run over six strong innings, and recorded the fourth win of his rookie campaign. The right-hander boasts a stifling 2.11 ERA and a minuscule 0.97 WHIP over 38-1/3 innings of work. He also has tallied 37 strikeouts and has allowed six hits or fewer in each of his six starts.

Nolasco surrendered eight runs and lasted just 1-2/3 innings against Texas in his last start, and was tagged with the loss. The veteran right-hander is having a tough season, posting a bloated 5.06 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP to go along with a 4-10 record over 101-1/3 innings of work. He was hit-hard in his last start against the Rays, allowing five runs in six innings, and now sits with a 3-7 record and an obscene 6.67 ERA in 10 career starts against Tampa Bay. Key Matchups: Evan Longoria (6-21, 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB), Logan Morrison (2-5, 2 2B, BB), Trevor Plouffe (2-7, 2B, HR, RBI, BB), Steven Souza Jr. (3-6, 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI)

Cobb was brilliant over 7-2/3 innings, relinquishing just two singles, while not allowing a runner beyond first. He struck out three. The right-hander didn’t have his whiffy stuff, although the split-change (the Thing) was more prevalent this time than last — throwing it for strikes 11 of 19 times, with four swings-and-misses. The Thing had a decent 6.68 inches of break, which is a positive, although he relied heavily on his fastball and knuckle-curve to great effect. Cobb used his repertoire to pitch to contact and miss barrels. His two best outings of the season have come over his last three starts.

Chavez allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings in his last start, absorbing the loss Saturday against Texas. He struck out six. This season, he has relied primarily upon a kitchen sink repertoire of pitches — a 92 mph four-seam fastball and an explosive 91 mph cutter, while also mixing in a firm 86 mph changeup with arm side fade, a 92 mph two-seam fastball/sinker that results in a fair number of fly balls, an 84 mph worm-burner of a slider, and a 77 mph curveball with slight glove-side movement. The 33 year-old right-hander is 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA in eight appearances (one start) against the Rays. Key Matchups: Taylor Featherston (2-2), Logan Morrison (6-19, 3 HR, 3 HR, 7 RBI), Jesus Sucre (2-7)

Archer allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks over 6-2/3 innings on Sunday. He struck out eight. The ace was solid for most of the afternoon, with the exceptions of a leadoff homer by Mookie Betts, and a two-run shot by Dustin Pedroia in the seventh inning, costing him a shot at his eighth win of the season. Despite the home run issues, Archer has coaxed whiffs at a high rate, and carried a career-high 10.8 K/9 into the All-Star Break. While he has failed to produce as many shutdown performances as we’ve grown accustomed to this season, Archer has already posted 12 quality starts and will look to be a bit more consistent over the second half.

The New What Next: Rays vs Angels — a series preview

May 22, 2017 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

Corey Dickerson slides into home for the Rays first run on Sunday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

Even though the Tampa Bay Rays fell 3-2 in the finale finale against the Yankees on Sunday, they still were able to walk away with their third consecutive series win. Next they will play host to Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a four-game series, starting Monday.

(Stats: ESPN)

Both teams are 6-4 over a 10-game stretch, however, a huge difference between the two is that the Angels aren’t scoring runs and the Rays are — Los Angeles’ -7 and the Rays +21 run differentials speak to that. The Angels’ 8-15 road record certainly doesn’t help. Still, Mike Trout — who is batting .362 (17-47) in 13 career games at The Trop — is Mike Trout, and Cameron Maybin has been hot in the leadoff spot — collecting 11 hits in his last 21 at-bats, with five walks.

Questions continue to swirl around Albert Pujols, who is nursing a tight right hamstring, and whether he will be available for the series. There is the possibility that the Angels could use him as the designated hitter, and in the words of Mike Scioscia:

We’re just going day to day. He felt good this afternoon. We’ll see tomorrow.

As for the Rays, Corey Dickerson continues to rake, collecting a league leading 21 multi-hit games, while Logan Morrison holds the team lead in runs batted in at 31. Boding in Tampa Bay’s favor, the bullpen appears to be turning the corner, with the relievers slashing 3.12 ERA/3.68 FIP/.243 BABIP over the past 14 days and 40-1/3 innings. Compare that will their overall 3.93 ERA/3.86 FIP/.274 BABIP line.

Tthe Rays took the 2016 series with the Angels by a 4-3 margin, however, the Halos have won their last three games at Tropicana Field.

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Over the next four days, Kevin Cash will look to Jake Odorizzi (3-2, 3.16 ERA, 4.59 FIP), Alex Cobb (4-3, 3.67 ERA, 3.99 FIP), Erasmo Ramirez (2-0, 3.00 ERA, 3.31 FIP), and Matt Andriese (4-1, 3.75 ERA, 4.76 FIP), Scioscia will counter with J.C. Ramirez (3-3, 3.97 ERA, 3.86 FIP), Matt Shoemaker (3-2, 4.47 ERA, 5.01 FIP), Ricky Nolasco (2-3, 4.01 ERA, 5.39 FIP), and Alex Meyer (2-2, 5.79 ERA, 4.33 FIP).

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Pitching Matchups

Odorizzi earned his third win on Tuesday, when he held Cleveland to four runs on seven hits over six innings. The right-hander sailed into the sixth inning with just one run on his ledger, but ended the frame by allowing a two-run home run by Edwin Encarnacion. He was able to finish the inning and wound up with an impressive victory over one of the best teams in baseball.

Ramirez took a no-decision in his last start after allowing two runs over seven innings against the ChiSox. He was used exclusively as a reliever in the majors until recently, and has tossed two scoreless innings in two career relief appearances against Tampa Bay. Ramirez boasts a 94-97 mph fastball with release-side run (and just a 4.4% SwStr% on the season), an 87-90 mph slider that gets a fair number of swings-and-misses, and a 12-6 curveball with a bunch of late break that coaxes grounders from opposing batters. Key matchups: Peter Bourjos (1-2), Michael Martinez (1-2, 2B), Derek Norris (1-1, HR, 3 RBI), Steven Souza Jr. (1-1)

Cobb has delivered quality starts in his last four starts, allowing just eight earned runs over his last 27-1/3 innings. His changeup hasn’t returned to pre-surgery form, which has been well documented, but he’s effectively worked the fastball-curve combo.

Shoemaker notched his third win of the season on Wednesday after allowing four runs (three earned) over 6-1/3 innings against the ChiSox. In 2017, he has relied primarily on an 85 mph splitter with a ton of backspin that results in an above average number of fly balls, a 92 mph four-seam fastball, an 83 mph slider, and a 92 mph sinker. Shoemaker is undefeated in three career starts against the Rays, going 3-0 with a 2.60 ERA. Key matchups: Michael Martinez (1-3), Logan Morrison (4-11, 2B, HR, RBI, BB), Derek Norris (3-5, BB), Colby Rasmus (6-19, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB)

Ramirez continues to have success whether he’s in the starting rotation or coming out of the bullpen. He gave up just two runs in 5-1/3 innings, throwing just 65 pitches (48 strikes) in his first start back — a no-decision against New York.

Nolasco held the Mets to two runs (one earned) over six innings, en route to a hard luck loss. The 34 year-old right-hander has favored his has relied primarily on his 82 mph worm-burner of a slider, a 91 mph fly ball coaxing sinker, and a rather pedestrian 92 mph four-seam fastball. He also mixes in am 82 mph splitter from time to time, and a 74 mph knuckle curveball. In nine career starts against Tampa Bay, he has gone 3-6 with a beefy 6.57 ERA. Key matchups: Evan Longoria (5-19, 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI, BB), Logan Morrison (1-3, 2B), Colby Rasmus (2-7, BB), Steven Souza Jr. (1-3, 2B), Rickie Weeks Jr. (11-24, 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, BB)

Andriese battled through his second consecutive start, going five-plus innings and giving up five runs on six hits against the Yankees. He, however, is 3-0 in his past four outings. He looks to regress back to his previous, efficient form in the series finale on Thursday.

Meyer delivered an uneven performance against New York on Saturday, allowing four runs (three earned) while walking four, and fanning seven over four-plus innings. The 27 year-old rookie has never faced the Rays, and relies primarily on his 97 mph four-seam fastball with natural sinking action, a 97 mph sinker with good tailing action that results in a good number of fly balls, and a hard knuckle curveball.

The New What Next: Rays vs Angels, part two — a series preview

July 4, 2016 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

Nick Franklin went from first to home on a Curt Casali double for the Rays only run Sunday afternoon. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

Coming off yet another disappointing series sweep — this time at the hands of the Detroit Tigers — the Tampa Bay Rays welcome in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a four-game series, starting Monday.

The Rays have lost 16 of their last 18 games, yet the Angels have only fared marginally better, having lost 11 of their last 13. One thing is certain, of these teams will come away with some much needed wins.

Back in May, Tampa Bay swept the Angels over three-games, and it would behoove the team to do the same, if not better, this time around. To be fair, Los Angeles did receive a consolation prize in that series — the selfie-stick record.

Kevin Cash will throw Matt Moore (4-5, 4.67 ERA), Jake Odorizzi (3-3, 3.91 ERA), Drew Smyly (2-9, 5.33 ERA), and Blake Snell (1-3, 3.86 ERA) over the course of the next four days. Mike Sciascia will counter with Nick Tropeano (3-2, 3.25 ERA), Tim Lincecum (1-2, 6.75 ERA), Jered Weaver (6-7, 5.51 ERA), and Hector Santiago (5-4, 4.93 ERA).

Rays series starters

Moore tossed seven scoreless innings on Wednesday, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out six. The lefty held Boston hitless through five innings and escaped a key bases-loaded jam in the sixth while out-dueling David Price. Moore found himself in a similar situation five days prior to this one (vs. Baltimore) when the bottom fell out in the sixth. MattyMoe has now tossed seven scoreless frames in two of his last four starts, while lowering his ERA to 4.67; its lowest point since April.

Odorizzi gave up two earned runs on three hits and three walks, while fanning seven over five innings in a no decision on Thursday. The righty was given a five-run lead through five innings before he allowed pair of runs in the sixth inning, knocking him out of the contest. Unfortunately, the ‘pen blew his three-run lead, keeping him from a potential win. Odorizzi hasn’t posted a quality start in four of his last five starts, while his ERA sits at 3.91 on the season.

Smyly allowed six runs (four earned) on six hits and four walks, while striking out eight in a loss on Friday against the Tigers. The lefty held the Tigers in check over the front three innings, yet he failed to handle them the second time through the batting order. He’s collected just one quality start over his last seven turns, and now holds a 5.33 ERA on the season.

Snell relinquished three earned runs on four hits and four walks over 5-1/3 innings in a loss to the Tiger on Saturday. He struck out four. There were several positives to derive from Snell’s start, as the southpaw did throw 18-of-24 first-pitch strikes, and coaxed 10 whiffs. While he got ahead in the count, however, Snell still handed out too many free passes and dished up his first career MLB homer. As I mentioned a week ago, his biggest struggle to date has been with control, and he’ll look to lower his 1.71 WHIP and notch a tally in the win column in the series finale Thursday.

Angels series starters

Tropeano has been recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to start against Tampa Bay. Tropeano was optioned to the minors after being activated from the disabled list last week following his return from a shoulder injury. The righty performed well in his lone start with Salt Lake, allowing just two earned runs on three hits and a walk over 6-2/3 innings, striking out seven. With no lingering concerns about his health, the Angels will have Tropeano assume the rotation spot of Jhoulys Chacin, who has been sent to the bullpen. He mowed down the Rays on May 8th, collecting 10 strikeouts through 5-1/3 innings. Key matchups: Oswaldo Arcia (1-1, BB), Curt Casalit (2-2, 2B, HR, RBI), Evan Longoria (2-3), Brad Miller (2-7, HR, 2 RBI), Logan Morrison (1-4, BB)

Lincecum has yet to prove his worth in his comeback from surgery. The Freak lasted only 3 innings and 4-1/3 inning (respectively) in his two starts, and allowed nine runs on 15 hits in those games — giving him a bloated 11.05 ERA (6.75 FIP) over the last 14 days. Lincecum last faced Tampa Bay in 2013, taking a loss after allowing just one earned run on six hits and a walk over seven innings of work. Key matchups: Desmond Jennings (1-3), Brad Miller (2-3, HR, 2 RBI), Logan Morrison (2-8, 3B, HR, 2 RBI, 4 BB)

Weaver was brutalized by Houston on Wednesday, allowing six runs on seven hits in just 5-1/3 innings. The soft tosser walked four while striking out three in the contest. Weaver hasn’t been able to fool hitters in 2016, and his HR/9 rate stands at a bloated 1.9. He has allowed at least four runs in four of six June starts. Weaver surrendered two runs (one earned) on six hits over six innings on May 7 in his last start against Tampa Bay. Key matchups: Oswaldo Arcia (2-8, 2 RBI), Hank Conger (1-4), Logan Forsythe (4-13, 2B), Nick Franklin (3-11, RBI, BB), Evan Longoria (6-23, 3 2B, HR, RBI, 3 BB), Steven Souza Jr. (2-7, 2B, HR, 2 RBI)

Santiago allowed one unearned run against the Red Sox on Saturday, striking out and walking four en route to win number five of the season. Santiago had a huge amount of run support in that game, as Los Angeles tagged Clay Buchholz and Boston’s bullpen for 21 runs. Though capable of stringing together nice outings — he’s logged three quality starts in his last four outings — Santiago has been all too susceptible to the blowup this season. Key matchups: Hank Conger (1-3, HR, RBI), Brandon Guyer (1-2), Desmond Jennings (1-2, HR, RBI), Evan Longoria (4-6, 2B), Brad Miller (3-9, 2B, RBI, BB)

Noteworthiness

— The Rays have placed Desmond Jennings on the 15-day DL with a left hamstring strain. In doing so, they have recalled RHP Tyler Sturdevant from Triple-A Durham for the time being.

— The team announced that RHP Alex Cobb (Tommy John surgery) will make his first rehab start on Wednesday for the Charlotte Stone Crabs.

The New What Next: Rays vs Angels ― a series preview

May 6, 2016 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Steve Pearce gets a high five from third base coach Charlie Montoyo Wednesday night after his sixth inning three-run homer against the Dodgers. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times)

On Friday the AL East meets the AL West, as the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Los Angeles Angels in game one of a three game series at Angel Stadium.

Tampa Bay is coming off a big 8-5 win over that other team from Los Angeles. In spite of the victory though, the Rays are just 2-4 in their last six games and 3-5 on the road in 2016. The Halos, on the other hand, aren’t red-hot either. They also have gone 2-4 in their last six games and are 6-6 at home.

To their credit the Rays have gotten solid pitching, but the offense has held them back. The team is 27th in the league in scoring, averaging just 3.46 runs per game. Evan Longoria and company have performed better of late, and the .457 SLG/.213 ISO power surge over the last 14 games has been impressive. Still they need that offense to improve overall or they could be in for a long, disappointing season.

The Angels know a thing or two about having a weak offense. Los Angeles ranks 22nd in the league in scoring, putting up just 3.75 runs per game. Led by Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, the Angels are 14th in hitting (.246) and 19th in homers (25). They have shown signs of coming out of it, averaging 5.9 runs per game over their last five games. The Rays pitching staff will be tasked with stopping Trout, who is 7-13 in his last three games with two homers and seven RBI. He leads the Angels in Home runs with seven and RBI with 22, while hitting .317.

The Rays strength is the pitching staff. Ranked seventh in the league in ERA at 3.67, fourth in WHIP at 1.14 and seventh in strikeouts, Tampa Bay should be viewed as a formidable opponent when it comes to hurling small, spherical objects at opposing batters. The starters have collected a 3.69 ERA, while the ‘pen ― which has shown cracks of late ― has been decent overall, posting a 3.62 ERA.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, is ranked 14th in the league in ERA at 3.85, 15th in WHIP at 1.30 and 26th in strikeouts. Suffice it to say Logan Forsythe, Longoria, Brandon Guyer and the rest of the Rays batting order will look to take advantage of the Angels weak pitching staff.

Rays manager Kevin Cash will throw Chris Archer (1-4, 5.01 ERA), Jake Odorizzi (0-1, 3.12 ERA) and a hurler to be determined over the course of the series. Archer’s success in his last two starts has been locating his pitches and getting ahead in the count. He’s also used his changeup more often with good results. The righty is 4-1 with a 2.97 ERA in five starts against the Angels, including 2-1 with a 3.12 ERA in three starts at Angel Stadium. Odorizzi has tried to get “quicker outs” in order to keep his pitch count low, and he successfully did so on Sunday against Toronto in a seven-inning no-decision. He is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in two career starts against the Angels.

Matt Moore was scheduled to start Sunday, with the plan being to drop in a fifth starter either Monday or Tuesday in Seattle. But, instead of throwing a left-handed pitching against a team who fares well against southpaws, Cash made the decision to throw Moore on Monday or Tuesday instead. Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) wrote about the move, saying,

Kevin Cash said that Sunday’s starter is now “to be determined,” which seems to mean they are instead thinking of using the extra starter — either RHP Matt Andriese or RHP Erasmo Ramirez — against the Angels, who happen to hit markedly better against lefties.

Ramirez has been pitching extremely well out of the bullpen, and the Rays are tempted to leave him there. Andriese is 1-2 with a 3.41 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Durham but coming off a dazzling Tuesday outing in which he threw seven scoreless innings and struck out a career-high 14. He leads all minor-leaguers with 44 strikeouts.

Garrett Richards was slated to throw on Friday, however, Mike Scioscia will instead go with reliever Cory Rasmus due to Richards’ bout with fatigue.

#Angels scratch Garrett Richards from tomorrow’s start vs #Rays. Cory Rasmus gets the start.

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) May 5, 2016

Rasmus (0-1, 4.40 ERA) can go a maximum of four innings, and has a 2.86 ERA in seven career starts. He’s relied primarily on a whiffy 93 mph four-seam fastball and 86 mph changeup, while also mixing in an 86 mph slider and a 75 mph fly-ball inducing curveball. Key matchups: Brad Miller (1-2), Logan Morrison (1-3, BB), Steve Pearce (1-3)

Jered Weaver (3-1, 5.40 ERA) retired just three of the last 11 Brewers hitters he faced on Monday and was charged with seven runs on 11 hits in five innings. All this five days after surrendering seven extra-base hits. His ERA has jumped from 3.12 to 5.40 over the two starts. Of those 11 hits, only two were of the extra-base variety (both doubles) although he routinely caught too much of the plate. With his depleted fastball sitting in the low 80s, Weaver has been relying on his changeup, but the Brewers put that pitch in play eight times for five hits (.625 BA). Key matchups: Logan Forsythe (3-10, 2B), Evan Longoria (6-20, 3 2B, HR, RBI, 3 BB), Steven Souza Jr. (1-4)

Nick Tropeano (1-1, 3.42) allowed five runs on five hits and five walks over five innings with six strikeouts in Tuesday’s loss to the Brewers. Tropeano gave three home runs, including back-to-back shots by Jonathan Lucroy and Chris Carter in Tropeano’s final inning. Despite throwing 17 first-pitch strikes to 25 hitters, Tropeano’s lost hitters to walks or left mistake pitches over the plate due to his nibbling at the zone. The 25 year-old right relies primarily on a 92 mph four-seam fastball which he uses to generate whiffs and fly-balls, an 81 mph swing and miss slider and an 83 mph changeup. Key matchup: Brad Miller (1-4)

Noteworthiness

― Per Winners and Winers,

Tampa Bay is 6-15 in their last 21 games following an off day, and 4-11 in their last 15 during game one of a series. Los Angeles is 11-3 in their last 14 games following an off day, and 55-27 in their last 82 home games vs. a team with a losing record.

― Steve Pearce was 4-8 with two homers versus the Dodgers.

― Guyer is hitting .406 over his last 10.

― The Rays have matched a club record with 34 homers in 26 games.

― Corey Dickerson is hitless in the last seven games (0-20).