The Angels have been a franchise adrift in the 12 years since the Royals beat them in the 2014 ALDS, but they may finally be embarking on a true rebuild after firing general manager Perry Minasian and replacing him with John Mozeliak. The team was aggressive selling off pieces at the trade deadline, dealing outfielder Jo Adell, starting pitcher José Soriano, and relievers Ryan Zeferjahn, Brent Suter, and Kirby Yates. That leaves a roster with a few talented players, such as future Hall of Famer Mike Trout, but with plenty of unproven hitters and relievers.
The Royals and Angels are very evenly matched this year, with very similar records and run differentials. The Angles are riding a three-game win streak, but have dropped 13 of their last 20 overall.
Kansas City Royals (49-73) vs. Los Angeles Angels (48-74) at Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
Royals: 4.12 runs scored/game (24th), 5.06 runs allowed/game (27th)
Angels: 4.10 runs scored/game (25th), 4.78 runs allowed/game (21st)
Seth Lugo has never lost to the Angels, going 2-0 in five games. Grayson Rodriguez has the second-worst ERA in baseball of any pitcher with at least 50 innings. Randy Dobnak has the eighth-biggest positive gap between ERA and FIP among any pitcher with 30+ innings. Reid Detmers has a 2.39 ERA in five starts since the All-Star break, but the Angels have lost all five games. Noah Cameron has allowed five runs in his last four starts for a 1.57 ERA. Opponents are hitting .383 against Ryan Johnson’s sinker this year.
Ben Joyce throws 101 mph, the second-fastest heater in baseball. Lefties are hitting .105/.244/.132 against Samy Natera Jr. The Angels have just 18 saves, the fewest in baseball.
The Angels finally appear to be rebuilding, but its a process that is just beginning and will likely take years to complete. In the meantime, the Royals have an opportunity to win some games against a team struggling as much as they are.
