Twins at Angels
The Los Angeles Angels just cannot seem to find a way into the win column. After stumbling at the plate in a series loss at Cleveland over the weekend, perhaps what the Angels need is a return to Southern California and a visit from the equally win-challenged Minnesota Twins. Unlike Los Angeles, the Twins did not have high expectations going into the season and have done little in the first few weeks to change that outlook. Minnesota did manage to snap a six-game slide, however, earning a home victory over the lowly Royals on Sunday.
The Angels recalled top prospect Mike Trout this weekend and inserted him at the top of the lineup in hopes of sparking the offense. Trout went 0-for-3 on Sunday and Los Angeles managed three hits in a 4-0 loss. The Angels totaled four runs in the three-game series and Albert Pujols went 2-for-12, dropping his average to .216. The $240 million slugger has yet to homer in 88 at-bats and has not driven in a run since April 15. Minnesota is getting enough production from the middle of its lineup but the pitching staff can’t seem to get anyone out. The Twins have yielded the most runs in the American League.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSNO (Minnesota), FSW (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Nick Blackburn (0-2, 7.53 ERA) vs. Angels LH C.J. Wilson (2-2, 2.42 ERA)
Blackburn was lit up by the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, surrendering five runs in three innings to absorb the loss. The right-hander, who had missed his previous turn with shoulder stiffness, started against Los Angeles on April 9 and was knocked around for five runs in six innings. Blackburn is 1-4 with a 5.71 ERA in seven starts against the Angels.
Wilson has not been helped much by the Los Angeles offense, getting a total of four runs of support in his last two starts - both losses. The veteran left-hander totaled 19 strikeouts in 13 innings while yielding five earned runs in those two outings. Wilson is 3-3 with a 4.32 ERA in 23 appearances - six starts - in his career against the Twins.
WALK-OFFS
1. Twins reliever Glen Perkins (knee) and first baseman Chris Parmelee (head) were both cleared to return Sunday.
2. Minnesota’s starters own a 6.87 ERA - the worst mark in the majors.
3. Trout is 0-for-7 with a strikeout and a walk through two games.