Angels look to try and cool off Arizona bats

It’s been a rough series for Angels pitching, to say the least. They’ve allowed nine runs in both games, as well as 11 hits in both games too.

“They’ve been on everything we’ve thrown up there,” Maddon said when asked about Griffin Canning hopefully able to shut their offense down. “I felt so good about the pitching coming into this series. The game will always teach you a lesson.”

Canning had his best game of his career on August 30 versus the Mariners. He threw eight innings, allowing only one run on four hits. He also struck out seven. Since then, things haven’t gone well for the 24-year-old. In his two starts since, Canning has allowed seven runs in 9 ²⁄₃ innings while opponents have hit just under .300 against him.

When asked what he wants to see from Canning, Maddon said he wants to see his starter in attack mode and taking command early in the counts. He wants to see him use all of his pitches. “He can’t go out and challenge with the fastball,” Maddon said. “Go out there and pitch. Get ahead of hitters, change speeds, don’t get caught up in one thing all the time. It’s the stuff I’ve been preaching for years.”

News and notes

• Shohei Ohtani is not in the lineup yet again on Thursday, as left-handed pitcher Alex Young makes the start for the D-Backs. With the Angels facing another lefty tomorrow, it looks like we won’t see Ohtani back in the lineup until Saturday, making it six consecutive off-days for him.
• Maddon has loved Justin Upton’s “quiet setup” over the last few weeks during his hot streak. He said it’s one of his favorite things to see from a hitter. “I encourage guys to get quieter,” he said. “I think for me, he’s been moving the head of the bat less. The ball is going to the right side of the field more often. All these things begin with that.”