7:07 pm
June 17

Angels @ Blue Jays

Who will WIN this matchup?

Los Angeles Angels (35-37)

@ Toronto Blue Jays (26-45)

 

Starting Pitchers:

Garcia (LAA): 1-1; 4.68 ERA

Jackson (TOR) 1-4; 10.22 ERA

 

Last 10 Games Played:

Los Angeles Angels: 5-5

Toronto Blue Jays: 3-7

 

Current odds:

Los Angeles Angels: (-155)

Toronto Blue Jays: (+145)

 

• The Los Angeles Angels have been treading water without a key bat all season, but they expect slugger Justin Upton to return Monday for the opener of a four-game series at the Toronto Blue Jays. The 31-year-old, who hit 30 home runs last year for the Angels, has yet to play in 2019 due to a toe injury. “It’ll be good to have him back,” manager Brad Ausmus told reporters Sunday prior to a 6-5 loss at Tampa Bay. “Obviously, he’s been an offensive performer for a long time. It’s a big bat to add to our lineup.” Los Angeles split four games against the Rays, but they’ve won five of their last eight overall and seven of the last 11 on the road.

• The Blue Jays split six games on their own road trip, scoring a 12-0 win in Houston on Sunday behind five home runs – two by Teoscar Hernandez. They’ll turn to veteran Edwin Jackson on Monday as he opposes an opener for the Angels, who need one win to clinch the season series for the fourth straight time.

• Garcia, who has allowed six runs in five innings in June, will serve as the opener for the second time this season before yielding to Felix Pena. The 29-year-old Pena has followed up an opener for the bulk of his 13 outings, lasting 3 2/3 innings in relief and giving up two runs while picking up the win Tuesday. He also got a victory with 4 1/3 innings of three-run ball out of the bullpen against Toronto on May 1.

• Jackson is coming off his best outing since joining the Blue Jays last month, giving up two runs in five innings of relief in a win at Baltimore on Wednesday. He lost his previous four games – all starts – while posting a 14.73 ERA. Upton is 8-for-21 with five extra-base hits and Jonathan Lucroy is 12-for-32 in his career against the 35-year-old, while Mike Trout has two home runs in six at-bats.

• The Angels swept three from Toronto at home earlier in the year.

• Los Angeles SS Andrelton Simmons (ankle) could be activated during the series, according to Ausmus.

• Blue Jays INF/OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has three home runs and 10 RBIs over his last seven games.

5/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Los Angeles Angels
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