The Los Angeles Angels (38-32) are in for a challenge against Nathan Eovaldi at Globe Life Field on Thursday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Texas Rangers (42-25) with the home team looking to split the four-game series.
The Rangers won 6-3 on Wednesday for their first win of the series, their third head-to-head victory in six games this season. Reliever Josh Sborz was credited with the win after throwing two scoreless innings.
Leody Taveras went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Corey Seager added a solo home run. Shohei Ohtani was 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs for the Angels, extending his hit streak to 11 games.
ON THE MOUND
Ohtani (5-2, 3.32 ERA) is set to start for Los Angeles. The right-hander ranks second in the AL in strikeouts (102). Ohtani allowed three runs over five innings in his last start, a 5-4 road win over the Mariners on Friday.
He scattered three hits while striking out six and walking five in the no-decision. Ohtani is making his first appearance against the Rangers this season.
Over three starts against the Rangers in 2022, Ohtani was 0-2 with a 5.74 ERA over 15.2 innings. He had 23 strikeouts and four walks. For Texas, right-hander Eovaldi (9-2, 2.49 ERA) will take the mound.
He has made one prior start against the Angels this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over eight innings in a 10-1 road win on May 6. He gave up five hits and walked two while striking out five in the win.
In his last start on Saturday, Eovaldi got the win on the road against the Rays. He threw 6.1 innings and gave up four runs on seven hits, striking out six and walking three in the 8-4 victory. The RHP is tied for second in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Los Angeles has averaged 6.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.9, partial thanks to improved slugging (.470 vs .432). Against righties like Eovaldi this season, the Halos have a .756 OPS. Ohtani is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a 1.028 OPS in 195 at-bats.
Texas is averaging only 5.2 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 6.2 for the season. The Rangers have a .788 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the second highest in MLB. With a .845 OPS over 193 at-bats, Marcus Semien has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Los Angeles is 18-18 away from Angel Stadium of Anaheim in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. Texas has gone 22-11 at Globe Life Field this season, averaging 6.6 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. In the last 10 games between the AL West rivals at Globe Life Field, Texas is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 5.5-5.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by three games over the Astros. The Angels are third in the AL West, five games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
LA Angels (+105)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
