On Saturday, a matchup of two fifth-place teams in the American League unfolds as the Los Angeles Angels (54-74, 5th AL West) face the Toronto Blue Jays (60-68, 5th AL East) in a four-game series. Following a 5-3 victory for the Blue Jays in the series opener on Thursday, and with Friday’s results pending, the Jays currently dominate the season series 4-0 against the Angels. Starting for Los Angeles is Carson Fulmer (4.24 ERA), while Toronto counters with Bowden Francis (4.38 ERA). The game is set to begin at 3:07 PM EST at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
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Angels Struggling to Stay Afloat
The Los Angeles Angels have faced a tough season, highlighted by key losses. The departure of star player Shohei Ohtani via free agency and a season-ending injury to franchise icon Mike Trout have left the team scrambling. Recently, the Angels have lost eight of their last ten games, sinking to the bottom of the AL West, now trailing even the Athletics. With one of the league’s worst records, they find themselves in a challenging position, only better than the White Sox, who are already out of playoff contention. Despite a late-game surge from Nike Kavadas, who hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning of the first game, the Angels fell short at 5-3.
Kavadas, a 25-year-old player, is still carving out his role in the league. Taylor Ward, now batting leadoff, has contributed 16 home runs and 56 RBIs, although his batting average rests at .236. Zach Neto, a promising 23-year-old shortstop, leads the team with 19 homers and 63 RBIs, boasting the highest batting average at .259. Jo Adell, the right fielder, has 18 home runs and 57 RBIs but is hitting only .213. The Angels are also highlighting young talent like Nolan Schanuel, a 22-year-old first baseman with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs.
Carson Fulmer is set to make his eighth start of the season. Despite his experience as a reliever, the Angels have only won 1 of his last 5 starts. With an ERA of 4.24, he has recorded 71 strikeouts against 35 walks and allowed 11 home runs. In his previous outing, Fulmer lasted just four innings, giving up two runs in a loss to the Royals.
Blue Jays Seek Consistency
The Toronto Blue Jays kicked off this series with a win but have not met the high expectations set for them this season. Occupying the last spot in the AL East, they trail the Rays by 4.5 games and possess a tenuous grip on their Wild Card aspirations, being 11.5 games away from the final playoff position. In the opening game against the Angels, Ernie Clement made his mark with a two-run home run in the second inning, propelling the Jays to victory.
Clement, batting seventh, has made significant contributions with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs while maintaining a .272 batting average. George Springer, the leadoff hitter, added an RBI in the first game and leads the team with 13 stolen bases, alongside 17 home runs and 51 RBIs, but his average is low at .221. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a standout slugger, leads the team with 26 homers and 81 RBIs, hitting an impressive .316, while Daulton Varsho, batting second, has 15 home runs and 53 RBIs as the starting center fielder.
Bowden Francis is making his eighth start of the season, having also pitched 14 times out of the bullpen. The 28-year-old right-hander has secured victories in his last two starts, boasting an ERA of 4.38, with 58 strikeouts and 16 walks. In his latest outing, Francis delivered an impressive seven scoreless innings against the Cubs, allowing just three hits.
Best Bets for Los Angeles Angels vs. Toronto Blue Jays
As the Blue Jays enter this matchup as -165 favorites on the moneyline, they hold the upper hand with a stronger pitching lineup and the advantage of home field. Both teams have starters who transitioned from the bullpen, but Toronto’s pitcher has enjoyed greater success this season. Carson Fulmer, still seeking his first official victory, carries an 0-4 record and has struggled with consistency, allowing two or more earned runs in all of his last five outings. Earlier this season, he faced the Blue Jays and surrendered five runs in just three innings. On the other hand, Francis has excelled this season, achieving six wins, including his last performance where he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Cubs.
Backing Toronto on the runline is advised.
