A four-game series kicks off on Thursday featuring two teams below the .500 mark in the AL West, as the Los Angeles Angels (57-81, 5th AL West) head to Texas to play against the Texas Rangers (66-73, 3rd AL West). The Angels are wrapping up a brief two-game series against the Dodgers after dropping the first contest, while the Rangers are concluding a three-game series against the Yankees, having split the initial matchups (Note: This article was written before Wednesday’s results). Los Angeles is slated to start Jack Kochanowicz (4.96 ERA), but the Rangers have yet to reveal their starting pitcher. The season series stands at three wins for each team. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 PM EST at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
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Angels’ Rookie Shines Bright
The Angels have discovered some promising news amid their challenging 2024 season, as rookie pitcher Ben Joyce is making headlines. During a recent relief appearance, he delivered the fastest strikeout pitch recorded since the stat was introduced in 2008, clocking in at 105.5 MPH. Although he fell just shy of Aroldis Chapman’s all-time record of 105.8 MPH set in 2016, Joyce’s achievement highlights his potential as a future star. The Angels faced a loss against the Dodgers, marking the first time Shohei Ohtani returned to Anaheim.
Ohtani was intentionally walked by Angels manager Ron Washington, a notable decision as it was the first time he was walked while batting before Mookie Betts all season. Washington commented post-game, “You’re picking poison when you deal with the first three hitters. I wasn’t going to let Ohtani swing there, and I have all the respect in the world for Mookie Betts.” The Angels managed only two runs in that game, which came from solo homers by Logan O’Hoppe and Taylor Ward. O’Hoppe, batting sixth, has now hit 18 home runs this season, while Ward, leading off, has reached the 20-home run mark, tying him with Jo Adell and Zach Neto for the team lead.
Jack Kochanowicz will take the mound for the Angels in this matchup. The 23-year-old rookie right-hander has a 2-3 record with a 4.96 ERA, having struck out 12 while walking seven and allowing four home runs throughout the season. In his latest outing, he showcased his skills with six scoreless innings against the Tigers, earning the victory.
Rangers Face Pitching Dilemma
The Texas Rangers are currently experiencing a shortage of starting pitchers. As of now, they have not confirmed a starter for the upcoming game, and may need to rely on a reliever or a minor league call-up. With injuries sidelining key players like Jon Gray and Max Scherzer, the team is left with only three dependable starters. Despite these challenges, Texas secured a dramatic victory over the Yankees, thanks to Wyatt Langford’s walk-off grand slam.
Langford’s recent performance has been noteworthy; he becomes the first Ranger to record three walk-off hits in a season since Josh Hamilton in 2011. Following the game, relief pitcher Carson Kelly praised Langford, stating, “He’s been coming up in those big spots and coming through for us. Definitely awesome to see.” Langford, a center fielder batting second in the lineup, has tallied 10 home runs and 60 RBIs this year, maintaining a .243 batting average. Additionally, Josh Jung contributed with a home run and an RBI single in the same game. Jung, batting third, has six home runs and 14 RBIs this season. Leading the team in power, shortstop Corey Seager boasts 30 home runs and 74 RBIs, although he was a healthy scratch on Tuesday but is expected to return for this matchup.
As previously noted, the Rangers have not yet confirmed their starting pitcher. Their team ERA currently ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball at 4.28, which is an improvement over the Angels, who sit at 26th with a 4.52 ERA.
Best Bets for Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers
As of now, Texas has not revealed their starter, and the bullpen is not in a position to effectively manage this game. The team has been dealing with multiple starter injuries, and their ERA reflects this struggle. They are likely to give up runs during this matchup. Conversely, there is optimism surrounding the Angels as their young pitchers continue to develop. Starting pitcher Jack Kochanowicz is only 23 years old and recently delivered his best performance of the season, pitching six scoreless innings against the Tigers. He is not expected to face fatigue issues, given that he only began starting in July. Additionally, there is a strong possibility that Ben Joyce will take the mound, having recently thrown a 105.5 MPH fastball without allowing a run in his last seven appearances. With this wave of youthful talent, the Angels seem poised to secure a victory in this encounter.
