MLB Game Preview: Tampa Bay Rays (56-59) vs. Los Angeles Angels (55-59)

Game Overview

• Time: 4:07 PM ET / 1:07 PM PT
• Venue: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
• Broadcast: MLB Network, Bally Sports West, Fubo (regional restrictions)
  This is the final game of a three-game series, with both teams tied in the standings and fighting to stay alive in the AL Wild Card race. The Rays snapped a losing streak with a 7–3 win Tuesday, while the Angels look to bounce back at home.

Pitching Matchup

• Shane Baz is looking to rebound after allowing 5 earned runs in his last outing. He’s posted 8 quality starts this season and averages 9.1 K/9.
• Tyler Anderson has struggled to find consistency, with just 6 quality starts in 22 appearances. Opponents are hitting .255 against him, and he’s allowed 4+ earned runs in 3 of his last 5 starts.

Team Performance Snapshot
Tampa Bay Rays

• Record: 56–59 (4th in AL East)
• Road Record: 24–29
• Batting Average: .252 (9th in MLB)
• Slugging %: .397 (16th)
• Home Runs: 122 (16th)
• Runs Scored: 510 (12th)
• Team ERA: 3.86 (6th in AL)
  
• Los Angeles Angels
• Record: 55–59 (4th in AL West)
• Home Record: 30–29
• Batting Average: .232 (26th in MLB)
• Slugging %: .406 (13th)
• Home Runs: 160 (5th)
• Runs Scored: 494 (16th)
• Strikeouts/Game: 9.7 (most in MLB)

Players to Watch
Tampa Bay Rays

• Yandy Díaz: 20 HR, 65 RBI, .483 SLG
• Brandon Lowe: Homered Tuesday, 2 RBIs
• Jonathan Aranda: 11-for-35, 2 doubles, 1 HR in last 10 games
  
• Los Angeles Angels
• Taylor Ward: 26 HR, 82 RBI, .483 SLG
• Nolan Schanuel: 9 hits in last 36 ABs, 2 doubles, 1 HR
• Bryce Teodosio: 3-for-3 with a double Monday, showing spark at the plate

Betting Trends

• Angels ATS: 62–52
• Rays ATS: 52–63
• Angels are 16–15 when favored at home
• Rays are 24–33 as road underdogs
• Over 8 runs has hit in 5 of last 6 Angels games

Injury Report
Los Angeles Angels

• Chris Taylor (hand), Jorge Soler (back), Robert Stephenson (biceps) – IL
• Hunter Strickland, Ben Joyce, Anthony Rendon – 60-day IL
  
• Tampa Bay Rays
• Jonathan Aranda (wrist), Stuart Fairchild (oblique), Manuel Rodriguez (forearm) – IL
• Shane McClanahan (tricep), Alex Faedo (shoulder), Richie Palacios (knee) – 60-day IL

Final Thoughts
The Rays vs. Angels matchup at Angel Stadium is a crucial game for two teams hovering near .500. With Shane Baz looking to bounce back and Tampa Bay’s offense heating up, the Rays have a slight edge despite being road underdogs. Expect a competitive game with playoff implications and plenty of power at the plate.