Texas Rangers Eye on the Enemy: Previewing the LA Angels series

Following a surprising (yet much appreciated) three-game sweep over the Houston Astros, the Texas Rangers will keep it in the AL West for their next series, taking on the Los Angeles Angels.

In what has become somewhat of a routine for the Angels over recent years, the team is once again underperforming this season, despite possessing a roster full of big-name stars. LAA is currently 20-27, dead last in the AL West.

I checked in with our friends over at “Halo Hangout” to see what they had to say about our upcoming series, and here’s the direction they pointed me in:

Previewing the Texas Rangers-Los Angeles Angels series.

Shohei Ohtani

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One of the most popular names in all of baseball at the moment, Shohei Ohtani has ascended into superstardom this season due to his insane two-way abilities. One of the best hitters and best pitchers in the Major Leagues, a day doesn’t go by where Ohtani isn’t compared to Babe Ruth in some capacity.

Ohtani won’t pitch against the Texas Rangers this week – he’s being afforded some extra rest due to a velocity dip that he experienced in his most recent start. However, he’s still expected to hit for LA.

Currently batting .268 with a .938 OPS and 14 home runs, Ohtani is by far the Angels’ biggest bat at the moment.

With Mike Trout on the injured list and Anthony Rendon still struggling to make an impact following his own respective return from injury, Ohtani is the main player that the Rangers have to be worried about this week. Navigating around him in the middle of the order is a must.