The Oakland Athletics are set to return to Sutter Health Park for a crucial four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, following a challenging weekend in San Francisco where they faced strong opposition. This matchup becomes significant for both teams, as the A’s are currently on their toughest losing streak of the season, having lost five consecutive games. With a current record of 20-25, the Angels occupy the fifth spot in the AL West and enter the series riding the momentum of a sweep against their city rivals, the Dodgers.
Despite their recent success, the Angels’ statistics highlight areas of concern. They hold a -59 run differential, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories, including a team OPS of .680 and a team ERA of 5.08. The Angels have leaned heavily on the power of their lineup, hitting 68 home runs this season, with Taylor Ward leading the team. However, a lack of consistency, particularly in on-base percentage, has plagued them, as only Nolan Schanuel boasts an OBP over .300.
In terms of pitching, the Angels have shown some depth with strong contributions from starters like Tyler Anderson and Jose Soriano, but the performance of their bullpen has been disappointing, currently leading the majors with a 7.06 ERA. The Athletics can capitalize on this vulnerability if they can extend at-bats against the Angels’ starting pitchers.
For the Athletics, rookie right-hander JT Ginn is slated to make his return to the mound following a brief stint on the injured list. He has a 4.61 ERA in three starts and looks to solidify his spot in the rotation. Facing him will be Jose Soriano, who has shown impressive form recently, boasting a 3.46 ERA and entering the matchup after allowing just three runs over his last three outings.
Tuesday’s game will feature a matchup between veteran Kyle Hendricks and rookie Gunnar Hoglund. Hendricks, who has struggled to find consistency in his first year with the Angels, has a 5.18 ERA but has had quality outings as well. Hoglund, after showing promise early in his career with a 3.78 ERA, aims to continue his form against the Angels.
The series will highlight the Athletics’ need for a turnaround as they compete for better positioning within the division. The potential for a rebound, especially if their pitchers can harness their recent improvements, offers hope for fans. With a critical series ahead, both the Athletics and Angels will aim to shift their trajectories and gain valuable momentum going forward.