MLB Thursday: Rangers vs Angels

Angels Off to Worst Start in Almost 50 Years

The division rival Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels open a four-game series on Thursday at Angel Stadium. The Angels are off to their worst start since 1961, but new manager Brad Ausmus isn't pushing the panic button just yet. The Angels bring a 1-5 record into tonight's home opener. Their opponent, the Texas Rangers own a surprising 4-2 record. They have won their first two series of the year.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Southwest (Texas), FS West (Los Angeles); LINE: Angels -150 O/U: 9 Under -115.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Edinson Volquez (0-0, 9.00 ERA) vs. Angels RH Matt Harvey (0-0, 3.00)

Shohei Ohtani (elbow) and Justin Upton (turf toe) are on the injured list for the Angels. Their offense has predictably struggled while leaning on younger, less talented players. Justin Bour, is 1-for-18, and Zack Cozart, is only 1-for-19. Texas won its second straight against Houston on Wednesday. Mike Minor pitched seven strong innings, and Nomar Mazara belted his second homer. Joey Gallo walked three times and Ronald Guzman doubled for the Rangers. They have gone deep in all six games.

This, That, and a Dart Throw

Volquez allowed four runs, six hits and four walks in four innings against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. That was his first major-league start since July 5, 2017. The 35-year-old Dominican began his career with the Rangers 14 years ago. He missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Albert Pujols is 5-for-12 with two home runs against Volquez. He owns a 1-4 record and 10.71 ERA in six career games (four starts) versus the Angels. Texas closer Jose Leclerc has not allowed a run in 25 1/3 consecutive innings dating back to last season.

Harvey carried a no-hitter in the fifth inning of his Angels debut against Oakland on Friday. He settled for a no-decision after allowing two runs over six innings. The 30-year-old, very talented injury prone pitcher, is looking to bounce back this season. He went 7-9 with a 4.94 ERA in 32 games (28 starts) with the Mets and Reds last year. Harvey is making his first career start against Texas and first appearance at Angel Stadium. The Angels went 13-6 against the Rangers last season - including 7-2 at Angel Stadium. Mike Trout is a career .332 hitter with 25 home runs and 86 RBIs in 132 games against the Rangers.

Prediction: Rangers 7, Angels 4

MLB Trends

LA Angels Trends

• Trend Under is 4-1-1 in Angels last 6 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5. Hit % 80.00% (6) O/U 1|4 Push 1 W/L
• Under is 36-16-3 in Angels last 55 games with the total set at 6.5 or lower. 69.20% (55) 16|36 3
• Under is 6-0 in Angels last 6 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5. 100.00% (6) 0|6 0
• Under is 8-2-1 in Angels last 11 home games with the total set at 6.5 or lower. 80.00% (11) 2|8 1

Texas Trends

• Trend Over is 5-1 in Rangers last 6 games with the total set at 6.5 or lower. Hit % 83.30% (6) O/U 16|36 Push 3 W/L
• Over is 5-1 in Rangers last 6 road games with the total set at 6.5 or lower. 83.30% (6) 5|1 0
• Over is 4-0 in Rangers last 4 games as a road favorite of -151 to -200. 100.00% (4) 4|0 0
• Under is 10-4-2 in Rangers last 16 games as a road favorite of -110 to -150. 71.40% (16) 4|10 2

Meetings Trends

• Trend Under is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings in Los Angeles. Hit % 90.90% (11) O/U 1|10 Push 0 W/L
• Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. 83.30% (6) 1|5 0
• Rangers are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles. 0.00% (5) 0 0|5
• Rangers are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings. 0.00% (5) 0 0|5

Next up:
Texas at Los Angeles Friday, April 5

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