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The Los Angeles Angels have a rather mediocre 9-10 record before Friday’s games.
They are 3.5 games behind the division leader, the Texas Rangers, so while the difference isn’t terribly long, they need to start winning games soon if they want to keep pace.
They were in much better shape a little over a week ago, but they had a rough road trip in which they dropped five of seven contests.
They lost three of four against the Boston Red Sox and two of three against the New York Yankees.
Still, manager Phil Nevin believes better days are ahead.
“Phil Nevin was optimistic about his team after the game today. Said he felt his team pitched well on road trip despite 2-5 record. ‘We’re in a good place. We’re playing pretty good baseball. One little run here and we’re off and running,’” insider Sam Blum tweeted, quoting the skipper.
Phil Nevin was optimistic about his team after the game today.
Said he felt his team pitched well on road trip despite 2-5 record.
“We’re in a good place. We’re playing pretty good baseball. One little run here and we’re off and running.”
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) April 21, 2023
Despite the 9-10 record, their run differential is +8, so they are not performing badly.
In fact, they are back home, and if they have an opportunity to win and kickstart a positive streak, it’s on Friday night.
They will be hosting the Kansas City Royals, MLB’s worst offensive club, and will have Shohei Ohtani on the bump.
Ohtani, in case you missed it, has a 0.86 ERA on the season.
With a talented roster and a better pitching staff than previous years (at least on paper), the Angels are trying to show Ohtani they can put together a competitive team now and in the future.
They will have to make the playoffs for him to even listen to them when he hits the market.
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