In a matchup devoid of playoff implications, the Texas Rangers (75-84, 3rd AL West) face off against the Los Angeles Angels (63-96, 5th AL West) in the second game of their final series. The teams began their series on Friday night (Note: This article was put together prior to those results). Currently, the Rangers lead the season series 6-4 against the Angels. Texas will put Andrew Heaney (3.98 ERA) on the mound, while Los Angeles counters with Griffin Canning (5.24 ERA). The game is set for 9:38 EST at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
Texas Rangers Look to End Season Strong
The Texas Rangers, recent champions of the 2023 World Series, find themselves watching the postseason unfold from the sidelines in 2024. With only six teams making the playoffs per conference, the Rangers struggled to maintain their competitive edge. Their recent series against the Oakland Athletics culminated in a bittersweet farewell to the team’s former home, as they lost two of three games, including a narrow 3-2 defeat in front of a packed crowd of over 48,000 fans. Adolis Garcia’s RBI single in the sixth inning provided a glimmer of hope but ultimately fell short.
Marcus Semien, a former player for Oakland, expressed his disappointment after the game, noting the emotional weight of the Athletics’ move. “Disappointed we didn’t play well. That’s really what I’m here to do, is play good baseball,” he commented to ESPN. He lamented the lack of support for the Oakland fanbase, emphasizing the strong ties the community has with the team.
As the Rangers head into their final games, Semien stands out as a key player with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs from the leadoff spot. Although Corey Seager, the team’s top home run hitter with 30, is sidelined due to season-ending surgery, Adolis Garcia will carry the torch with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs from the designated hitter position.
Andrew Heaney will take the mound for his 31st and final start of the season. This seasoned left-hander, despite a 5-14 record, has shown promise, leading the team to victory in four of his last five outings. Heaney’s ERA stands at 3.98, with 156 strikeouts and 21 home runs allowed this year. In his most recent performance, he pitched 5.2 innings, surrendering four earned runs, but still managed to secure a win against the Mariners.
Angels Seek to Avert Historic Losses
The Los Angeles Angels are not making headlines this season but had a chance to etch their name in the record books. After a disappointing series against the Chicago White Sox, they missed the opportunity to hand the White Sox their 121st loss of the season, which would have set a modern-day record for most losses. Instead, the Angels were swept in three games, culminating in a 7-0 shutout in the last match.
Logan O’Hoppe, batting fifth in the order, managed two hits in that loss. The young catcher has contributed 20 home runs and 56 RBIs this season while maintaining a .238 batting average. Taylor Ward leads the team with 25 home runs and 74 RBIs, filling the leadoff role in left field. Unfortunately, the Angels will likely be without Zach Neto, a promising 23-year-old shortstop and team RBI leader with 77. Neto is sidelined with a shoulder injury and may miss the rest of the season. Adding to their woes, first baseman Nolan Schanuel is also listed as questionable due to a leg injury.
Griffin Canning, a 28-year-old right-hander, is set to make his 31st start. With a record of 6-13, Canning has experienced ups and downs this season, yet he has led the Angels to victories in three of his past four starts. His ERA currently sits at 5.24, accompanied by 126 strikeouts and 30 home runs allowed. In his last outing, he pitched 4.1 innings, giving up four earned runs but still earning a win against the Astros.
Best Bets for Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels
The end of the season approaches, and the Rangers appear to have the upper hand with a more reliable pitcher and a healthier lineup. Heaney and Canning both make their 31st starts, but Heaney’s performance has been superior. With an ERA of 3.98 compared to Canning’s 5.24, Heaney boasts more strikeouts, fewer walks, and fewer home runs allowed.
Despite Texas ranking 22nd in run production, the Angels sit even lower at 28th. The absence of key offensive players like Neto and Schanuel further hampers Los Angeles’s chances. Although Texas will miss Seager, they still have strong hitters like Garcia, Semien, and Josh Smith to support their offense. Given the recent struggles of the Angels—having lost three consecutive games to the league’s worst team—the Rangers are likely to secure a victory in this matchup.
Expect Texas to win.
