Oakland Athletics vs La Angels Picks and Predictions July 21st 2024

A’s Aim to Finish Off Home Season Sweep of Angels

The Oakland Athletics are on the brink of a historic milestone as they face the Los Angeles Angels in the series finale on Sunday. With a win, the A’s will complete a season-long, six-game home sweep of the Angels for the first time since 1991. This final game at the stadium by the San Francisco Bay promises to be crucial for both teams.

Recent Performances

Oakland Athletics

The Athletics have dominated the Angels in their recent matchups, winning the first two games of the series with convincing 13-3 and 8-2 victories. Their offensive firepower has been on full display, accumulating 25 hits and four home runs over the past two days.

Key Players:

• Max Schuemann: Schuemann has been instrumental, going 4-for-6 with two doubles, a home run, five RBIs, and five runs.
• Lawrence Butler: Butler has contributed significantly, going 5-for-8 with a double, triple, and five RBIs.
• Miguel Andujar: Andujar has racked up five hits, including a double.
• JJ Bleday and Brent Rooker: Bleday and Rooker have each added a homer, with Bleday also hitting two doubles.

Injury Updates

Jacob Wilson: The organization’s top prospect made his major-league debut on Friday but strained his left hamstring and sat out Saturday. The team awaits the results of an MRI scheduled for Sunday.

Manager’s Insight: Rooker encouraged Wilson, stating, “You got all the firsts out of the way… Whenever you’re healthy, you just come back and get to play; you don’t have to worry about that stuff.”

Pitching Matchup

Oakland Athletics

Joey Estes (4-4, 5.29 ERA):

• Last Performance: Estes threw a five-hit shutout in a 5-0 win against the Angels on July 3.
• Career vs. Angels: Estes has made two career starts against the Angels, going 1-1 with a 1.23 ERA.

Los Angeles Angels

Carson Fulmer (0-2, 3.45 ERA):

• Recent Start: Fulmer impressed in his first start of the season last Sunday against Seattle, throwing 4 2/3 no-hit innings in a 3-2 win.
• Career vs. A’s: Fulmer has gone 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in three games (two starts) against Oakland.

Impact of Mike Trout’s Return

The best news for the Angels came with the update on star Mike Trout, who has headed to Arizona to begin an injury-rehab stint. If his recovery goes well, Trout might face the A’s when the clubs conclude their season series in Anaheim next Thursday through Sunday.

Mike Trout’s Perspective: “I’m itching to get out there, for sure. It’s all coming together with the younger guys. It’s good to see.”

Game Implications

The Athletics aim to complete a historic sweep and continue their strong post-All-Star break performance. For the Angels, avoiding a sweep and showing resilience in the face of adversity are critical, especially with the potential return of Mike Trout on the horizon.

Conclusion

As the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels face off in the series finale, the A’s look to maintain their dominance and complete a rare season-long home sweep. Strong performances from players like Max Schuemann and Lawrence Butler, combined with solid pitching from Joey Estes, will be crucial. Meanwhile, the Angels hope to end their losing streak and get a boost from the anticipated return of Mike Trout.