Angels at Twins
Just over a week into June, the Los Angeles Angels have endured a forgettable month in the injury department, but that hasn't kept them from playing some of their best baseball of the season. The Angels attempt to match their longest winning streak of the season Saturday when they continue a three-game set in Minnesota against the Twins.
Los Angeles announced early Friday that two-way rookie sensation Shohei Ohtani (elbow) would be sidelined at least three weeks, joining a growing list of teammates on the disabled list this month that includes Andrelton Simmons, Kole Calhoun and Kaleb Cowart. The Angels haven't missed their ailing comrades lately, however, winning five straight and six of seven overall in June following Friday's 4-2 triumph over Minnesota. The Twins began the month with four straight victories but dropped to 5-4 on their 11-game homestand following their third setback in the last four contests. Miguel Sano was awarded an RBI double on a high chopper Friday that bounced over third baseman Luis Valbuena in the second inning, but the struggling slugger is still only batting .189 in in 53 at-bats with 24 strikeouts since coming off the disabled list on May 25.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (4-4, 3.27 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (1-3, 3.54)
Skaggs ended a three-game losing streak with his third scoreless outing in 12 turns following Sunday's victory against Texas, giving up four hits and three walks while striking out six over as many innings. The 26-year-old has permitted two runs or fewer in nine times this season, but all four of his wins have come during starts in which has yielded a total of one run. Brian Dozier singled and homered against Skaggs on May 11, when he allowed two hits and struck out seven in a no-decision.
Gibson's unlucky season continued Sunday against Cleveland, as he picked up his eighth no-decision in 12 trips to the mound and remained winless since prevailing in his season debut on March 31. The Indiana native surrendered two runs in 5 2/3 frames in the outing, marking the seventh time in eight turns he has given up three runs or fewer. Ian Kinsler is 14-for-44 with two homers and six walks versus Gibson, who did not factor into the decision despite allowing two runs over six innings against Los Angeles on May 12.
WALK-OFFS
1. After going hitless in 12 at-bats over his previous three games, Kinsler has tallied two hits - including a two-run homer - in each of the last two contests.
2. Minnesota SS/3B Eduardo Escobar is 11-for-22 with eight extra-base hits and eight RBIs during his six-game hitting streak.
3. Despite a 3-for-4 effort Monday against Kansas City, Los Angeles OF Mike Trout is 4-for-18 during his team's winning streak.