9:38 pm
July 6

Red Sox @ Angels

Who will WIN this matchup?

Boston Red Sox (53-32)

@ Los Angeles Angels (42-41)

 

Starting Pitchers:

Eovaldi (BOS): 9-4; 3.41 ERA

Ohtani (LAA) 3-1; 3.60 ERA

 

Current odds:

Boston Red Sox: (-112)

Los Angeles Angels: (+102)

 

• Shohei Ohtani will be on the mound Tuesday when the Los Angeles Angels host the Boston Red Sox in the second game of a three-game series in Anaheim, Calif., but it’s unlikely the two-way star will bat, too. Ohtani was in the batting order in nine of his previous 12 starts on the mound this year, but Angels manager Joe Maddon typically leaving the decision up to Ohtani. However, Maddon may have to make the decision himself based on who the Angels will have available on the bench.

• Both third baseman Anthony Rendon (tight left hamstring) and outfielder Taylor Ward (jammed right index finger) were not in the lineup Monday and are listed as day-to-day. Ward appeared as a pinch runner.

• Without them, the Angels have a thin bench. Losing the designated hitter with Ohtani in the lineup would shorten the bench even further once Ohtani leaves the game, forcing Maddon to use pinch hitters in the pitcher’s spot. Ohtani has made one career start against Boston. In 2018, he got the loss after giving up three runs in just two innings.

• Boston right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (9-4, 3.41), selected to his first All-Star team on Sunday, will start Tuesday. He has been especially good at keeping the baseball in the ballpark, allowing just four home runs in 97 2/3 innings, a rate of 0.4 homers per nine innings, the best in the majors.

• Eovaldi is 2-1 with a 4.58 ERA in nine career games (seven starts) against the Angels, but he has not beaten them since 2015. And while he certainly provides tough opposition for the Angels, the Red Sox hitters are looking forward to the challenge presented by Ohtani.

4/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Boston Red Sox
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