As the series progresses, the Los Angeles Angels face off against the Minnesota Twins in a pivotal matchup in the heart of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. This Tuesday evening contest marks the second game of a three-game set. The Angels recently wrapped up a challenging four-game series against the Rangers, suffering a 7-4 defeat on Sunday, which resulted in a loss of three games in that series. Meanwhile, the Twins also faced struggles, getting swept in a three-game series against the Royals, culminating in a 2-0 shutout on Sunday. Notably, this preview was created before the series opener at Target Field on Monday night.
Angels in a Tough Spot
The Angels, with a record of 59-84, find themselves in a difficult position as they sit at the bottom of the AL West standings. Trailing the Astros by 18 games, their playoff hopes are dim, with a 17-game gap from the final wild-card spot occupied by Minnesota. In their latest game against the Rangers, only five hits were recorded, with Zach Neto being the standout, contributing two hits. Charles Leblanc marked his season’s first home run, but it wasn’t enough to lift the team. Caden Dana, who took the loss, faced a tough outing allowing five runs in just one inning, including three home runs.
Griffin Canning is set to take the mound for the Angels in this matchup, marking his 29th appearance and 28th start of the season. With a record of 5-12 and a 5.02 ERA, he has struggled with consistency, reflected in his 1.381 WHIP and 56 walks over 150.2 innings. Canning’s last outing was a bright spot, as he earned a win against the Dodgers, pitching 6.2 innings while allowing just one run. However, he has yet to find success against the Twins, losing his only previous start against them back in May 2021.
Twins Aiming for Redemption
The Twins are looking to bounce back after a disappointing sweep at the hands of the Royals, entering this series with five losses in their last six games. Currently, they hold a record of 76-67, placing them third in the AL Central and five games behind the Guardians. They are clinging to the final wild-card spot, with a 3.5-game cushion over the Mariners and Tigers. In their last game, the Twins managed only five hits, with Christian Vazquez leading the way with three. Simeon Woods Richardson took the loss, allowing two runs over 4.1 innings.
Pablo Lopez will take the hill for the Twins, making his 29th start of the season. With a 14-8 record and a 4.05 ERA, he has been a reliable presence on the mound. Lopez secured a win in his last outing against the Rays, where he struck out nine over 6.2 innings. He enters this game with a solid performance streak, having won his last three starts. Lopez has faced the Angels three times before, holding a 2-1 record against them, and he is expected to bring his strong form to Target Field.
Predictions for Angels vs. Twins
While Canning’s recent performance against the Dodgers was impressive, his struggles on the road raise concerns; he remains winless in away games this season. In contrast, Lopez’s recent form has been strong, making him a favorable candidate as the Twins continue their pursuit of a playoff position. Given the Angels’ current state, marked by inconsistent performances, Minnesota appears poised to capitalize on this opportunity for a crucial victory.
