Los Angeles @ Texas preview
Globe Life Park in Arlington
Last Meeting ( Jun 3, 2018 ) Texas 1, LA Angels 3
The Los Angeles Angels won't have star Mike Trout in the lineup for Thursday's opener, and he could miss the entire four-game series against the host Texas Rangers. The team was hoping Trout (wrist) could be activated from the 10-day disabled list on Thursday, but it isn't known when he will return after his brother-in-law, Aaron Cox, passed away on Wednesday.
Trout departed the team late last week for what was termed a "family matter," and the reason became clear upon the death of the 24-year-old Cox, who retired as a minor-league pitcher in the Angels organization last week, according to the club. Los Angeles is playing well without the two-time American League MVP as it swept a three-game set from San Diego and has won seven of its last nine contests. Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre (hamstring) is slated to be re-evaluated Thursday as he hopes to avoid his third stint on the disabled list this season. The Rangers have lost four of their last six games after winning nine of their previous 12.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Taylor Cole (0-2, 2.95 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Ariel Jurado (2-2, 5.66)
Cole will take the mound first as Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia revealed the contest will be a bullpen game for his team. The Angels sent Cole out first in Sunday's loss to Oakland, and it didn't go well as he gave up three runs and three hits in 1 1/3 innings but avoided the loss. Cole, who turns 29 on Monday, has posted a stellar 0.87 WHIP with 22 strikeouts in 18 1/3 frames.
Jurado is making his fifth major-league start and will be looking to bounce back from a dreadful performance against the New York Yankees. The 22-year-old served up four homers - two two-run shots and two solo blasts - while allowing six runs and seven hits over five innings in a 7-3 loss. Jurado pitched well while winning his previous two turns as he gave up three runs and eight hits over 11 frames during that stretch.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels 1B Albert Pujols is just 10-for-48 this month and has gone deep just once in his last 17 contests.
2. Texas OF Nomar Mazara (thumb) is expected to be activated from the 10-day disabled list prior to the series opener.
3. Rene Rivera (knee) was activated from the 10-day DL and hit the game-winning, ninth-inning homer on Wednesday for Los Angeles, which optioned fellow C Jose Briceno and recently acquired RHP Odrisamer Despaigne to Triple-A Salt Lake while designating RHP Akeel Morris for assignment.
PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Angels 5