Series Preview: Angels & Mets (Thor-less)

The Angels start a 10 game East Coast road trip on Friday and a string of 18 straight games. They are feeling good and coming off a sweep of the White Sox while flexing their offensive muscles - especially if they are named Cameron Maybin who is 8 for his last 10 AB. Mike Trout is doing Trouty things and has homered in 5 of his last 6 games. Martin Maldanado has a 5 game hitting streak in which he’s 6 for 18. Even hitless wonder Danny Espinosa has hits in 3 of his last 5 games going 4 for 16.

The Mets are struggling and have lost 7 games in a row, finding themselves 7 games under .500 and in 3rd place in the NL East.

Question: Can the Angels keep up the beatdown on the Mets?

GAME 1

Ricky Nolasco v. Jacob deGrom
Friday, May 19th @ 4:10PM

deGrom’s Ks are WAY up. So are his walks and runs allowed.

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats:

Summary:

Jacob deGrom is 3 years removed from his Rookie of Year Award and 2 years removed from being an All Star. So far in 2017 he’s been okay, but nothing like he once was. deGrom has a 4.07 ERA, 1.356 WHIP and 67 Ks in 48.2 innings. His K rate is WAY up (12.4 this year compared to 8.7 per 9 in 2016). Also up significantly are his hits and walks allowed. deGrom doesn’t have a cool nickname like The Dark Knight or Thor, but he sure can set down batters (look out Danny!) - Oh wait. Too late. Espinosa has already struck out 5 times in 8 AB against deGrom.

Ricky Nolasco has at least been pretty consistent, if not quite the pitcher he was in the second half last year. He’s throw 13 innings in his last 2 starts, striking out 14 and giving up 4 homeruns. Oh yea, he’s good at giving up homeruns. Jay Bruce and Michael Conforto are probably fans of that.

Verdict: Probably the toughest game of the series with a formidable pitcher on the mound. The Angels bats will have to stay hot to pull off a win.

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GAME 2

Alex Meyer v. Zach Wheeler
Saturday, May 20th @ 4:15PM

Meyer was a stud last time out. Can he repeat it?

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats:

Summary:

So Alex Meyer is REALLY good at walking batters. He has given 14 free passes in 19.1 IP so far this year. He had his first good outing as an Angel lasts week, throwing 6.1 innings and allowing just 1 run with 7 Ks. He’s been fortunate to get run support this year with 7 runs twice, 4 runs once, and 3 runs in his other start.

Zach Wheeler has been looking pretty good this year, having not pitched in the big leagues since 2014 (thanks to TJ surgery). So far he has a 3.76 ERA and 35 Ks in 38.1 IP with a 1.226 WHIP. He has only allowed 1 run in each of his last two starts.

Verdict: Mets probably have the edge unless Meyer can pull off another appearance like his last trip to the mound.

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GAME 3

Jesse Chavez v. Tommy Milone
Sunday, May 21st @ 10:10AM

The fact the Mets are already grabbing waiver wire pitchers should you how much their rotation has changed over the past year

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats:

Summary:

Jesse Chavez has only had 2 starts in which he allowed more than 3 runs. He’s been a pretty stable force in the Angels rotation. He hasn’t had a lot of run support this year but should get some in this game.

Tommy Milone was placed on waivers by the Brewers, then claimed by the Mets who have a struggling pitching staff. In his two starts for the Mets, he’s given up 2 and 5 runs. So far this year, he has given up 22 runs (including 8 homers) in 31.2 IP.

Verdict: Angels should take game 3.

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Overall Verdict: Angels have a shot at a series win, but they will need to take down Wheeler or deGrom to get there. A sweep may be a tall order though.