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Top Handicapper 
Angels Hope for Increased Production Against Brewers
The Los Angeles Angels are gearing up for a crucial three-game home series against the Milwaukee Brewers in Anaheim, Calif. Currently sitting at 5-5 over their past 10 games, the Angels are eager to improve their overall .394 winning percentage and climb up the standings.
Angels’ Recent Performance
Despite a balanced record in their last 10 games, the Angels have been outscored 67-45, highlighting significant issues on both offense and defense. Their season-long run differential stands at a troubling minus-74, only surpassed by the Chicago White Sox (minus-155) and the Oakland Athletics (minus-92) in the American League.
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Key Players Returning
Brandon Drury and Miguel Sano:
- Brandon Drury: In his 10th major league season, Drury has a career .251 batting average with 106 home runs and 366 RBIs. However, he has struggled this season, hitting just .173 before being sidelined by a hamstring injury on May 8.
- Miguel Sano: Joining the Angels after eight seasons with the Minnesota Twins, Sano was batting .262 with a home run and five RBIs before a knee injury took him out of action on April 26. His return is highly anticipated.
Manager’s Perspective
Manager Ron Washington has emphasized the importance of Drury and Sano’s return, not just for their performance but also for their leadership. “We need those guys; don’t get me wrong,” Washington stated. “But they’ve got to come and perform… If they don’t perform and they’re not showing these kids how to handle not performing, then they’re gonna be on the bench. It’s that simple.”
Brewers’ Strong Position
In stark contrast to the Angels, the Brewers are enjoying a successful season. Leading the NL Central by 6.5 games, they boast a positive run differential of plus-63. This places them among the elite in the National League, behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers (plus-101) and Philadelphia Phillies (plus-96).
Brewers’ Recent Success
The Brewers enter their seven-game road trip, which includes a four-game series against the San Diego Padres, riding the momentum of three consecutive series wins. Their latest victory was a 5-4 triumph over the Cincinnati Reds, although it came with the concern of a potential concussion for catcher William Contreras.
Pitching Matchups
Jose Soriano for the Angels:
- Soriano (4-5, 3.48 ERA) will be making his 13th start of the season. His last outing was impressive, pitching eight innings and allowing just two runs in an 8-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Carlos Rodriguez for the Brewers:
- Rodriguez (0-1, 4.91 ERA) will make his second major league start. His debut was challenging, lasting only 3 2/3 innings in a 3-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he conceded two runs on seven hits and a walk, striking out four.
Conclusion
As the Angels prepare to host the Brewers, the return of Brandon Drury and Miguel Sano offers a glimmer of hope for a turnaround. Manager Ron Washington’s emphasis on performance and leadership will be crucial in this series. Meanwhile, the Brewers will look to maintain their strong form and solidify their lead in the NL Central. The pitching performances of Soriano and Rodriguez could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this critical series.
