Angels at Twins
The Los Angeles Angels aren’t sure how long Albert Pujols’ lengthy slump will continue, but they know what to expect from Mike Trout. The reigning American League MVP has belted four home runs in his last five games heading into the second contest of a four-game series against the reeling Twins in Minnesota.
Trout belted a grand slam and a solo homer in Thursday’s 11-8 victory over the Twins as the Angels moved within 2 1/2 games of Houston for the second AL wild-card spot. While Trout is heating up, Pujols is hitless in his last 20 at-bats and batting .148 in 15 games this month while battling a right foot injury that has forced him to move from first base and take over as the team’s designated hitter. Minnesota, which has lost three straight as it stands one game ahead of the Angels and 1 1/2 behind Houston, is hoping to have closer Glen Perkins back in the bullpen. Perkins has not pitched since Sept. 1 due to back spasms, but manager Paul Molitor said he should be available for Friday’s key contest.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (6-3, 3.32 ERA) vs. Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (6-9, 4.09)
Heaney is set to make his first career start against the Twins after tossing five scoreless innings versus Houston on Sunday. The 24-year-old has just one win in his last nine outings, but manager Mike Scioscia remains bullish on the rookie’s future. “He’s a guy that is going to give everything that he has,” Scioscia told reporters. “His makeup is a big reason why we’re excited about where he is now and where he’ll end up being.”
Pelfrey bounced back from three consecutive rough starts with a solid outing against Kansas City on Sept. 9, when he allowed one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. The 31-year-old yielded four runs (two earned) and nine hits in six innings at Los Angeles on July 22. Chris Iannetta homered in the Angels’ 5-2 victory and is 6-for-13 against Pelfrey, who has gone 3-2 with a 3.94 ERA in five career starts versus Los Angeles.
WALK-OFFS
1. Minnesota relievers have allowed 13 runs in 18 2/3 innings over the last three games.
2. The Angels are 60-3 when leading after seven innings.
3. Minnesota RHP Trevor May has been unavailable out of the bullpen for the last two games due to a hip injury and is listed as day-to-day.