Angels notes: Starting pitchers need to go deeper, Andrelton Simmons not yet ready

Friday night is the 20th game of the season for the Angels, and heading into their weekend series against the Dodgers, Halos relievers have pitched more innings this season (84⅓) than their starters (84).

The Angels are 5-3 when their starting pitcher lasts at least five innings this season, and 2-9 when they don’t.

“We have to really start getting more deep into the games on the consistent basis to really get where we want to be,” manager Joe Maddon said before Friday’s game.

Patrick Sandoval had the longest start of his career last Saturday in Texas, lasting six innings, but suffered the tough-luck 2-0 loss thanks to a two-run home run by Joey Gallo.

“He has very good stuff. It’s good against righties and lefties,” Maddon said. “I just want to see him attack, and dominate the 1-1 count, and get ahead in the count. And with that, he could pitch deep into this game.”

This is an extremely small sample, but batters against Sandoval this year after a 2-1 count are 4-for-9 with a home run, double, a walk, and no strikeouts. After a 1-2 count, they are 2-for-12 with a double, one walk, and six strikeouts.

Injury update

Andrelton Simmons, who has been on the injured list since July 28 with a left ankle sprain, isn’t likely to be activated this weekend, Maddon said. Friday will be the 16th game missed by Simmons, who has been taking batting practice this week at the alternate training site at Long Beach.

“We were hoping that it would be not as sore right now,” Maddon said. “We just have to deal with that. So he’s pushed back a little bit further. I don’t think he’s ready this weekend.”

Pregame video

Here’s your video preview of the star power in the Freeway Series, from the Angels: