The Cleveland Guardians (17-20), one of the weakest offenses in the league, are set to host the Los Angeles Angels (20-18) at Progressive Field on Friday to open a three-game series.
The Angels are playing their first of seven games on the road after wrapping up a rough six-game homestand (2-4). They won only one out of three in their last series against the Astros, dropping the finale 5-4 on Wednesday at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
Hunter Renfroe was 2 for 2 with a home run and two RBIs, walking twice. The Guardians are kicking off the final series of their nine-game homestand. They lost two of three against the Tigers in their last series, dropping the finale 5-0 on Wednesday at Progressive Field.
Tyler Freeman went 2 for 4.The teams are meeting for the first time this season. In 2022, the Angels won four of the seven games between the teams, although they were swept in their most recent meeting, a three-game set at Progressive Field in September.
ON THE MOUND
Tyler Anderson (1-0, 5.40 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Los Angeles. The LHP allowed three runs (two earned) over five innings in his last start, a 5-4 home win over the Rangers on May 5. He scattered five hits while striking out six and walking five in the no-decision.
For Cleveland, southpaw Logan Allen (1-1, 2.70 ERA) will toe the rubber. In his last start on Saturday, Allen took a no-decision at home against the Twins. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up two runs on seven hits, striking out three and walking two in the 4-3 victory.
AT THE PLATE
The Los Angeles offense is averaging 5.1 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .258/.330/.420. Mike Trout leads the team in OPS at .896. The center fielder is slashing .288/.371/.525 with eight home runs, 20 RBIs, and 26 runs over 35 games.
Over the last five games, though, Los Angeles has averaged only 4.0 runs a game while slashing worse across the board (.250/.301/.415). Against left-handed pitchers like Allen this season, the Halos have a .774 OPS. Renfroe is the team’s strongest performer against left-handers with a .819 OPS in 35 at-bats.
Cleveland is slashing .221/.297/.325 for the season and averaging 3.4 runs per game, second lowest in the league. Jose Ramirez leads the team with a .782 OPS. The third baseman has four home runs, 20 RBIs, and 19 runs scored with a slash line of .270/.350/.433.
Cleveland is averaging only 2.0 runs per game in the last five with their slash line falling across the board (.195/.248/.266). The Guardians have a .616 OPS against left-handers in 2023, third lowest in MLB. With a .861 OPS over 37 at-bats, Josh Bell has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Los Angeles is on a four-game winning streak away from Angel Stadium of Anaheim, bringing their record to 10-9 in 2023. The Halos have scored 4.7 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.9 runs.
Cleveland has gone 7-11 at their home park this season, averaging 2.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In the last 10 games between the teams at Progressive Field, Cleveland is unbeaten with an average scoreline of 5.4-2.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Angels are second in the AL West, three games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Guardians are third in the AL Central, three games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (-135)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
