Angels vs Phillies Series Preview: Philly Looking Good for Playoffs
Angels Falter at Wrong Time, All But Eliminated
The Angels vs Phillies series preview shows two MLB teams who have gone opposite directions the month of August. The Angels started the month within striking distance of a wild card spot. But a 7-17 record so far this month has essentially put the playoffs out of reach. Philadelphia was right there in the NL wild card chase and a 15-9 record in August has helped them solidify their grip on the postseason.
The Angels are visiting the Philadelphia for a three-game series beginning Monday. Los Angeles will send Lucas Giolito to the mound, while Philadelphia will start Taijuan Walker. Walker and the Phillies are -145 and the total is 9.5-under (-115).
The Angels are 63-68 on the season, going 32-33 at home and 31-35 on the road. Los Angeles is No. 17 in team batting average and No. 13 in runs scored. The Angels have hit 190 home runs, which is the fourth most in MLB and helps explain how they score runs at a higher rate than they get base hits.
The biggest problem for the Angels this year has been pitching. The Angels are No. 22 in team ERA and they’ve blown 20 saves, which puts them in the middle of the pack. Los Angeles would like to have a few of those games back, so they wouldn’t be 10.5 games out of a wild card spot.
The Phillies are 72-58 in the National League baseball standings. Philadelphia has a 3.5-game lead for a wild card berth. The Phillies are 39-25 at home and 33-33 on the road. The Phillies are No. 5 in team batting average and No. 11 in runs scored. The pitching staff has been pretty solid and the Phillies are No. 7 in team ERA.
Monday’s Game
Giolito is 7-10 on the season with a 4.23 ERA. His teams are just 8-18 when he starts this MLB season, including a 1-4 record since the Angels traded for him. He’s pitcher fair for the Angels, although he was really roughed up by Atlanta. Walker is 13-5 with a 4.02 ERA for the Phillies. Philadelphia is 18-7 when he starts and 10-3 when he starts at home.
It doesn’t help the Angels that Mike Trout is back on the MLB injury report and Shohei Ohtani is also dealing with an injury. Los Angeles would have had a tough time keeping up with the Phillies at full strength. The Phillies will be a popular play for Monday, but the MLB predictions have the Phillies winning by 1.7 runs, so Philadelphia looks like the correct side in this one.
Tuesday’s Game
The Angels vs Phillies series preview has Tyler Anderson the scheduled starter Tuesday for Los Angeles, with Michael Lorenzen starting for the Phillies. Anderson isn’t having his best season. He’ll bring a 5-5 record to go with a 5.35 ERA into the game. The Angels are 11-10 when he starts thanks to giving 5.29 runs of support per game. Los Angeles is 13-8 in totals when he starts.
The Phillies are 24-17 against left-handed starters, scoring 4.85 runs per game. Against right-handed starters, the Phillies are scoring 4.78 runs per game, so there isn’t a huge difference.
Lorenzen has pitched well for the Phillies, going 7-8 with a 3.69 ERA. The Phillies are just 10-12 when he starts in large part to scoring one run or less in five of his starts this season. Philadelphia is 9-10-3 in totals when he starts. His last two starts haven’t been pretty, allowing 10 earned runs in nine innings. Have to believe he’ll get back on track against the Angels here.
Wednesday’s Game
The Angels vs Phillies series preview shows Reid Detmers starting for Los Angeles. Philadelphia hasn’t officially named its starter for the game. But Cristopher Sanchez has followed Lorenzen in the rotation the last two games, so he’s a logical choice to start this game.
Detmers has struggled for the Angels this season. He’s allowed 18 home runs in 120 innings after giving up 13 in 129 last season. He has more strikeouts, but has also allowed more hits and walks. The Angels are 8-15 when he starts.
The Phillies are 7-6 when Sanchez takes the mound. Philadelphia has allowed three runs or less in his last three starts, so have to assume he’ll get the ball here since he’s pitching well.
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