The Toronto Blue Jays are set to welcome the Los Angeles Angels for an American League clash on Friday night at Rogers Centre. Both teams enter this matchup with disappointing records, struggling to keep their playoff aspirations alive. Just weeks ago, Toronto completed a three-game sweep against the Angels, and they continued that success by winning the series opener on Thursday. Although both teams have little to fight for, this matchup could offer some unexpected excitement for fans.
Angels Facing Tough Challenges
The Los Angeles Angels have endured a challenging season, reflected in their 2-8 record over the last ten games. A series of injuries, notably to star player Mike Trout, combined with a significant roster overhaul in the offseason, has left the team struggling to find its footing. Their road record stands at 27-34, and the added difficulty of traveling across the country only complicates matters further. After being swept by the Blue Jays recently and losing the opener on Thursday, the Angels appear to be in for another difficult weekend.
Jack Kockanowicz is slated to take the mound for Los Angeles, having recently joined the rotation. He holds a 1-3 record with a 6.53 ERA. However, he has shown improvement in his last two outings, pitching a combined 13.2 innings and allowing only two runs each time. If Kockanowicz can deliver a strong performance, it may help alleviate some of the team’s ongoing struggles.
While pitching has been inconsistent, the offense has also underperformed. Trout’s absence, along with Mickey Moniak being listed as day-to-day, has left the team without two key offensive players. As a result, the Angels have a dismal team batting average of .232, which worsens further on the road. The combination of lack of confidence and fatigue from a long season has exacerbated their difficulties.
Blue Jays on the Rise
The Toronto Blue Jays are showing signs of improvement recently, though a rocky start to the season has placed them at the bottom of the AL East. As August shifts into September, they remain far from the Wild Card race, currently holding less than a 0.1 percent chance of qualifying for the playoffs. Observers will be keen to see how the team approaches these final weeks. They boast a nearly .500 home record and will aim to build on their recent success against the Angels to finish strong.
Chris Bassitt will be the starting pitcher for Toronto, looking to finish the season on a high note. After an impressive 2023 season, he has struggled in 2024, currently sitting at 9-12 with a 4.34 ERA. Despite these challenges, he remains a key player for the Blue Jays in this matchup.
The Blue Jays have also faced difficulties offensively this year. Once considered a formidable batting lineup, they have struggled to maintain consistency. The youth of the roster has not developed as anticipated, contributing to their low standing in the American League. Injuries, including Bo Bichette’s absence, have placed additional pressure on Bassitt to deliver a strong performance.
Predictions and Betting Insights for Angels vs. Blue Jays
The Blue Jays appear poised to secure a victory on Friday night, especially after establishing momentum with a Thursday win. Despite their own inconsistencies throughout the season, Toronto can rely on their experienced pitching staff and a few capable hitters. In contrast, the Angels have failed to find success against the Blue Jays, losing all four matchups this season. Given the current form of both teams, it seems unlikely that the Angels will turn things around on Friday night.
