Wednesday night MLB action pits two AL West rivals against one another as the Seattle Mariners (1-3) travel to Angel Stadium of Anaheim to take on the Los Angeles Angels (1-3). Both of these teams got off to rocky starts over the weekend but are looking to bounce back in the second series of this shortened 60-game season. The first pitch for this matchup is scheduled for 10:10 pm ET.
Over the weekend, the Mariners lost three of four from the Houston Astros. Seattle wound up their series versus Houston with an 8-5 loss on Monday. For the Angels, they also dropped three of their first four games over the weekend at Oakland. That includes a 3-0 shutout loss on Monday.
In terms of pitching matchups, the Mariners are sending out righty Justin Dunn to make his first start of the season against the Angels’ Andrew Heaney (0-0, 1.93 ERA).
The Angels are home favorites of -195 Wednesday while the Mariners book at +183. The over/under for total runs scored is 9.
Mariners Looking To Give Youngsters A Chance To Develop
Not many people expect the Seattle Mariners to compete this season; instead, this is undoubtedly a rebuilding year. For that reason, the Mariners are excited to give some of their younger players like Justin Dunn a look.
Last season, Dunn made a few starts as a September call-up going 0-0 in 4 starts. Technically, in those four starts, he only pitched 6.2 innings but sported just a 2.70 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, and had five strikeouts (although he also had a concerning nine walks). The Mariners are hoping he can reign it in and find his control with some extended work in 2020.
In terms of youngsters, the Mariners have to be ecstatic with what they saw out of outfielder Kyle Lewis in the first series. In those four games, Lewis hit .400/.500/.800 in 15 at-bats with two home runs, four runs batted in and four runs scored.
Angels Hoping To Not Waste Another Year Of Trout
The Los Angeles Angels have the best player in Major League Baseball and arguably one of the best players to ever play the game, but to this point, they have mostly wasted Mike Trout’s talents. In a shortened season, they are trying to reverse those fortunes.
In the first series, Trout struggled a bit, going just 3 for 14, but he did have a home run and four RBI. However, after hitting .291/.438/.645 with 45 home runs, 104 runs batted in, and 110 runs scored last season, it is only a matter of time before the reigning AL MVP breaks out.
One thing that should help in this series is the return of Anthony Rendon. A colossal pick up over the offseason, Rendon was acquired to help protect Trout in the lineup. The former Nationals star was injured in the first series, however. Rendon returned Tuesday and should be good to go moving forward. Last season, Rendon hit .319/.412/.598 with 34 home runs, 126 RBI and 117 runs scored for World Series champion Washington.
On the pitching side, the Angels will turn to Andrew Heaney in this one. Wednesday marks Heaney’s second start after going 4.2 innings, allowing two hits, one earned run and striking out six opening day against the Oakland Athletics.
Taking The Angels At Home
Andrew Heaney may not be a superstar, but he generally gives the Angels a chance to win every time he is on the mound. With Rendon’s return and a healthy Mike Trout, I think the Angels have enough offense to give Justin Dunn fits. This is especially true if he is having control problems like last season. For my money, I am taking the Angels at -195.
