Series preview: Angels welcome Mariners for first home series of season

After a rough start to the season in Oakland, the Angels will start a brand new three-game series at home against the Seattle Mariners. LA is 1-3 to start the season, along with Seattle who is also 1-3 after opening the season on the road at Houston.

Tuesday: Patrick Sandoval vs. Justus Sheffield

It’ll be the first start of the season for Patrick Sandoval, who has had quite the hectic month. He reported to camp late because he tested positive for the coronavirus. After looking impressive over the last few weeks, Sandoval looks ready to try and improve off of a very forgetful 2019 campaign. Last season as a rookie, the 22-year-old went 0-4 with a 5.03 ERA in nine starts. This will be his first time facing the Seattle Mariners.

Speaking of wanting to bounce back after a rocky year, Justus Sheffield hopes to do the exact same thing. In 2019, the 22-year-old made seven starts and posted an ERA of 5.50. Just like Sandoval, this will be the first time he’s facing this opponent.

Wednesday: Andrew Heaney (0-0, 1.93 ERA) vs. Justin Dunn

After getting the Opening Day nod last week, Andrew Heaney will make his second start of the season. He had an okay start, as he only lasted 4 ²⁄₃ innings. He allowed only one run on two hits while striking out six and issuing zero walks. Last year at Angel Stadium, Heaney went 2-4 with an ERA just below five. This will be his 10th career start against Seattle, tied for the most he’s ever faced a single team. He’s only picked up one win agains them, which came last year on June 1 when he struck out 10 in six innings.

Justin Dunn will be making his first start of the season and only the fifth of his career. Last year, Dunn threw a total of 6 ²⁄₃ innings in his four starts. Nope, that’s not a typo. He threw two innings in three of his starts, while going only ²⁄₃ of an inning in another. He’s currently their No. 7 prospect, according to MLB.com.

Thursday: Dylan Bundy (1-0, 1.35 ERA) vs. Marco Gonzales (0-1, 6.23 ERA)

The lone win of the Angels’ season came in Dylan Bundy’s start on Saturday. He was fantastic for the Angels as he threw 6 ²⁄₃ innings of one-run ball. Bundy struck out seven and issued zero walks. This will be the first time he pitches at Angel Stadium in the home uniform but will be his fourth start at Angel Stadium. He’s had a rough time pitching in Anaheim, as he owns a 7.64 career ERA there. However luckily for him he’s facing Seattle, who he owns a career 2.70 ERA against in four games.

Marco Gonzales looks to bounce back after his rocky start in Houston on Opening Day. He allowed four runs in 4 ¹⁄₃ innings and only struck out two. This will be his seventh career start at Angel Stadium, where he’s thrived during his career. He’s 3-0 with a 3.12 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Overall, this will be his 13th career start against the Angels, who he only has one loss against.

Notes about the offense

• Anthony Rendon is set to make his Angels debut this series, either tonight or tomorrow
• David Fletcher is off to an incredible start, as he leads the team with eight hits, double the amount of Tommy La Stella who has the second most
• Through the first four games of the season, the Angels have only three home runs
• Mike Trout has 41 career home runs against the Mariners, more than any team