The Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers are set to continue their four-game series in Arlington, TX, on Friday night. Both teams find themselves with disappointing records this season, leaving them on the outside of the playoff race as October approaches. The pitching duel on Friday features Samuel Aldegheri, a rookie southpaw for the Angels (0-1, 3.60), facing off against an opener for the Rangers. Fans can expect right-hander Jose Urena (5-8, 3.72) to handle the majority of the innings. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:05 PM EST.
Angels Turn to Aldegheri for a Fresh Start
The Los Angeles Angels arrive in Texas after a mixed series with their local rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. They lost the first game 6-2 but rebounded with a convincing 10-1 victory in the second match. However, in the opening game of this series against the Rangers, the Angels fell short with a 3-1 defeat, managing only five hits and striking out 11 times.
On Friday night, the Angels will hand the ball to Samuel Aldegheri, who has made history as the first Italian-born pitcher in Major League Baseball. In his debut start, Aldegheri pitched five innings, giving up six hits and seven runs (only two of which were earned) in a 9-5 loss to the Mariners. The 22-year-old left-hander recorded three strikeouts and two walks. He will be looking to prove himself over the remaining month of the season as the Angels evaluate their options for the 2025 rotation.
Key Injuries: RP Ryan Miller, RP Walbert Urena, OF Jason Martin, RP Matt Moore, and RP Carson Fulmer are sidelined.
Rangers Rely on Urena’s Experience
The Texas Rangers find themselves in a similar position, as they will not make the playoffs this season. This outcome marks another disappointing attempt at defending their World Series title. The last team to win back-to-back championships was the New York Yankees in 1999 and 2000. This week, the Rangers managed to take two out of three games against the Yankees, including a thrilling walk-off grand slam from rookie Wyatt Langford.
In the first game against the Angels, starter Cody Bradford excelled, allowing just one run on three hits over six innings. Adolis Garcia’s three-run homer provided the offensive spark needed for the Rangers’ victory.
However, the Rangers have faced challenges with injuries, as they announced that starter Jon Gray will be shut down for the remainder of the season. Another starter, Tyler Mahle, is also expected to be out for the year. These injuries have forced the team to employ an opener strategy, and Jose Urena is expected to pitch significant middle innings on Friday. Urena has made 31 appearances this season, with a record of 5-8 and 100 hits allowed in 101.2 innings of work. In his latest outing, he pitched 4.2 innings, giving up eight hits and one run in a 6-4 win over the Athletics.
Key Injuries: RP Jacob Latz, RP Avery Weems, RP Josh Sborz, SP Max Scherzer, SP Jon Gray, and SP Tyler Mahle are out.
Strategic Bets for Angels vs. Rangers Matchup
The Rangers are displaying solid performance despite their elimination from the American League playoff race. After taking two of three games from the Yankees, they have won four of their last five games leading into this series. Facing the rookie Aldegheri, the veteran Rangers lineup could have the advantage. The team has had success with their opener strategy, winning three of the last five games Urena has pitched in an extended role. Expect the Rangers to maintain their momentum as they aim to finish the season strong amid ongoing injury challenges.
