Los Angeles @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 27, 2013 ) LA Angels 2, Seattle 3

Jason Vargas returns to Seattle to face his former teammates when the Los Angeles Angels complete a four-game series against the Mariners on Sunday. Vargas was traded to the Angels for designated hitter Kendrys Morales after winning 36 games for Seattle over the past four seasons. Vargas is off to a rough start with his new team, going 0-2 with a 5.82 ERA in his first four outings. The Mariners have won two of the first three in the series.

Vargas was surprised to be traded by the Mariners but now appreciates being with a team that regularly challenges for postseason berths. “I thought that I was going to be a part of it, but they had other plans,” Vargas said of the Mariners on Saturday. “Baseball changes quick, man. To be able to be a part of this, you couldn’t ask for a better situation. Things happen the way they happen.” Seattle starter Hisashi Iwakuma won all four of his starts against the Angels last season. Morales delivered the game-winning single in the seventh of Seattle’s 3-2 victory on Saturday.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports West (Los Angeles), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Jason Vargas (0-2, 5.82 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (2-1, 1.99)

Vargas has been roughed up by opposing hitters, who are batting a collective .370 against him. He has allowed 34 hits in 21 2/3 innings and has a WHIP of 2.03. Vargas took a no-decision in his last outing when he gave up three runs and seven hits in seven innings. Morales is 5-for-12 with two homers against Vargas.

Iwakuma’s emergence over the second half of last season helped the Mariners decide Vargas was expendable. He was been sensational in five starts, striking out 29 in 31 2/3 innings while allowing just 18 hits and five walks. Iwakuma struck out a season-best 11 in five innings before leaving due to a blister in his last outing when he lost to the Houston Astros by allowing three runs (two earned) and six hits. He has a 1.23 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 29 1/3 innings against the Angels.

WALK-OFFS

1. Morales is batting .261 with three homers and 10 RBIs.

2. Angels 1B Albert Pujols is 2-for-13 against Iwakuma and OF Mike Trout is 2-for-12.

3. Seattle is vying to win its first series of the season.

PREDICTION: Mariners 5, Angels 3