Angels Look To Keep Winning Ways Alive In Cleveland

Yesterday’s matinee affair against the Detroit Tigers gave us all the feels we could ever imagine. Ranging from despair to pure bliss, the Angels 13-10 come-from-behind victory sparked a series sweep that they had not accomplished since July 2-4 versus Baltimore. Replicating the sweep or at minimum winning a series two of three (or three of four) needs to be first and foremost if a deep run at either of the two AL Wild Card berths are in their future. The Halos currently sit 7.5 games back with 39 games remaining (including tonight).

Starting this weekend’s series against the Cleveland Indians will be RHP Jamie Barria. The Panama native enters the day 2-1 with a 4.71 ERA in six appearances (four starts). Barria struggled last time on the hill, tossing just three innings and yielding three runs on seven hits in a loss versus the Houston Astros. After a productive July that saw Barria post a sub-two ERA (1.32), he currently finds himself stumbling in August with a 0-1 record, 6.00 ERA in two starts (nine combined innings pitched).

For the Indians, they will counter with southpaw Sam Hentges. The Minnesota native enters play 1-4 with a 7.95 ERA in 19 appearances (10 starts). Hentges has flipped between the bullpen and a starting role all season long as his ERA favors him in relief (5.74) in comparison to starting (9.00). The lefty faced the Angels back on May 17 at Angel Stadium and was thrashed, allowing six earned runs and five hits in just 1.2 innings. It was just his second start of the season, but ended up taking the loss as the Angels defeated the Indians 7-4.

The last (and only) time the Angels and Indians faced off was back in May (17-19) at Angel Stadium. Cleveland took two of three, but the headlines during the three-game series were about Mike Trout. The Indians (soon to be Guardians beginning in 2022) were the last team Trout faced prior to a right calf strain that was originally going to sideline the superstar for 6-8 weeks, but this past Monday marked the 13th week he’s been on the injured list. Everyone in life lives day-to-day, but fans and those who invest time in baseball wonder if the three-time MVP will return in any capacity this year. The best answer anyone can give is: “We hope”!

Player To Watch

Outfielder Brandon Marsh continues to find his success at the plate since dialing in his approach and working on hand placement with hitting coach Jeremy Reed, assistant hitting coach John Mallee and hitting instructor Paul Sorrento. The “Caveman” has recorded a hit in eight of his last 10 games, while swinging for a .378 average (14-for-37) with two doubles, two triples, four runs batted in and two stolen bases. Over the past week-in-a-half, Marsh has boosted his overall average over 70 points from .164 to .235.

Welcome To The Show

RHP Jose Marte was called-up this afternoon from Triple-A Salt Lake. The 25-year-old flame thrower was acquired by the Halos this past trade deadline from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for LHP Tony Watson. Marte has been clocked in the minors tossing 98-101 MPH on a consistent basis. Throughout three different minor league levels this season, Marte is 2-1 with a 3.65 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 31 appearances.

Angels News & Notes

• Angels selected the contract of RHP Jose Marte from Triple-A Salt Lake and optioned RHP Aaron Slegers to Triple-A Salt Lake
• Angels signed RHP Jimmy Herget (reliever) to a minor league contract after being designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers. He will report to Triple-A Salt Lake
• Justin Upton continues to get reps in at first base today in Cleveland. He has a scheduled off day today