Los Angeles Angels vs Colorado Rockies Picks and Predictions July 31st 2024

Angels following youth movement with Rockies up next

Wednesday’s interleague matchup between the Rockies and Angels is set for 9:38 PM ET from Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. The Angels are the heavy favorite on the money line at -147, while the Rockies are sitting at +122. The over/under line is currently at 8.5 runs.

Colorado will be looking to snap a five-game losing streak, as they are just 38-70 this season. The Angels are 47-60 overall and have won two straight. Kyle Freeland will start for the Rockies, and he will be facing off against Davis Daniel for the Angels.

Colorado vs. Los Angeles Key Information

• Teams: Rockies at Angels
• Where: Angel Stadium of Anaheim Anaheim
• Date: Wednesday, July 31st
• Betting Odds LAA -147 | COL +122 O/U 8.5

The Rockies Can Win If…

Kyle Freeland gets the start for the Rockies today as he faces the Angels on the road. So far this season, he has made 10 starts and has a record of 2-4 with an ERA of 6.23. Looking back at his last outing, Freeland took the loss, giving up six earned runs in four innings of work. Before that, he had won two straight starts. Opponents are batting .306 off Freeland this season, and his ERA on the road is 13.93 compared to 1.97 at home.

Colorado’s offense is averaging 4.3 runs per game this season, which is 16th in the league. They have been a better offensive team at home, averaging 4.9 runs per game, which is 7th in the MLB. As a team, the Rockies are batting .244, which is 12th in the league, and are also near the top of the league in terms of isolated power.

Over his last nine games, Ezequiel Tovar has been on fire, going 17/39 with three homers and eight RBIs. This has helped him move into the team lead in home runs, as he is currently tied with Michael Toglia with 18. Tovar is also on a 16-game hitting streak. Tovar and Brenton Doyle are the Rockies’ top two hitters in terms of RBIs, with 52 and 53, respectively.

• The Rockies are 3-7 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Rockies are 1-4 vs. the run line.
• Colorado has an over/under record of 5-5 in their last ten games.
• The Rockies have an average of 3.2 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten road games, the Rockies are 2-8
• Looking back across the Rockies last five games as the favorite, they are 1-4
• Colorado has gone 0-3 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Rockies have averaged 4.0 runs per game on offense

The Angels Can Win If…

Davis Daniel and the Angels are hosting the Rockies today. Daniel is making his 3rd start of the season, and he is coming off a loss in his last outing vs. the Rangers. In that game, he went 3 2/3 innings and gave up 7 runs, all earned. He did pick up a win in his first start vs. the Tigers, where he went 8 innings and struck out 8.

So far this season, the Angels offense is averaging just 4.1 runs per game, which is 25th in the league. They have been even worse on the road, averaging just 3.9 runs per contest. As a team, the Angels are batting .236, which is 16th in the league, and their team on-base percentage of .305 is also below average.

Both Taylor Ward and Jo Adell come into the game with 16 home runs, which is 15th in the league, and Zach Neto is also a big power threat, as he is 3rd on the team with 13 homers. Ward is also the team’s top run producer, with 54 RBIs. Over his last 10 games, Nolan Schanuel is hitting .379 with two homers and has gone 11/29.

• The Angels are 6-4 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Angels are 4-1 vs. the run line.
• Los Angeles has an over/under record of 5-5 in their last ten games.
• The Angels have an average of 5.6 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten home games, the Angels are 5-5
• Looking back across the Angels last five games as the favorite, they are 2-3
• Los Angeles has gone 1-2 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Angels have averaged 3.1 runs per game on offense

The Lean

For a straight-up pick, our lean is on the Angels to come out on top at home. And as for how we would play the over/under line, we would go with the over, as this is projected to be the 3rd highest-scoring game of the day, and this one has the highest total hits projection. The Angels have the 2nd highest home run projection, and Davis Daniel has the best innings pitched projection in the league today.

The Los Angeles Angels, a team leaning heavily on youth, are preparing to host the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday in Anaheim, California. Recent trades have further infused the Angels with young talent, marking a strategic shift toward building a robust foundation for the future.

Youth Movement in Baseball

Baseball teams are increasingly investing in young talent, focusing on developing homegrown players and acquiring promising prospects. This trend is reshaping the sport, and the Angels are at the forefront, nurturing young players ready to make an immediate impact and grow into future stars.

Angels’ Recent Trades

With the trade deadline looming, the Angels traded closer Carlos Estevez to the Philadelphia Phillies and set-up man Luis Garcia to the Boston Red Sox. In return, they received six minor league players, boosting their pool of young talent.

Impact on the Team

These trades signify a pivotal shift for the Angels, aiming to rejuvenate the roster with fresh energy and potential. While the departure of seasoned pitchers like Estevez and Garcia could have disrupted the team’s dynamics, the Angels believe their young players are prepared to step up.

Young Players Taking Center Stage

The Angels’ lineup is now filled with players aged 25 or younger. These young stars are not only filling the gaps left by the traded veterans but also bringing new vigor to the team’s performance.

Zach Neto: Rising Star

Shortstop Zach Neto is a standout young talent, known for his defensive skills and batting prowess. Neto has quickly become a fan favorite and a key player in the Angels’ infield.

Logan O’Hoppe: A Promising Catcher

Catcher Logan O’Hoppe is another young player making waves. His ability to manage pitchers and contribute offensively makes him a crucial part of the Angels’ strategy.

Nolan Schanuel: First Base Talent

Nolan Schanuel, the team’s first baseman, has shown great promise with his power-hitting and defensive skills. At just 25, he is poised to be a cornerstone of the Angels’ lineup for years to come.

Jo Adell: The Right Field Prodigy

Right fielder Jo Adell has been turning heads with his athleticism and hitting ability. Adell’s performance is crucial for the Angels as they look to compete in a highly competitive division.

Manager Ron Washington’s Perspective

Manager Ron Washington has been instrumental in guiding the young players through this transitional period. His experience and leadership are invaluable as the team adapts to the new dynamics.

Adapting to Change

Washington emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset amidst the changes. He believes that the attitude of the young players sets the tone for the entire team.

Instilling a Winning Mindset

Washington is focused on instilling a winning mindset in the young players. He encourages them to step up and fill the roles left by departing veterans, fostering a culture of resilience and determination.

Davis Daniel: The Pitching Prospect

Right-hander Davis Daniel is one of the young pitchers the Angels are banking on. With a record of 1-2 and a 5.82 ERA, Daniel has shown flashes of brilliance but also faces challenges ahead.

Daniel’s Season Highlights

Daniel’s standout performance came on June 27 when he shut out the Detroit Tigers for eight innings. This game showcased his potential to be a dominant force on the mound.

Challenges Ahead for Daniel

However, Daniel has struggled in his last two starts, allowing 12 runs (11 earned) in nine innings. The young pitcher needs to find consistency to solidify his role in the starting rotation.

Colorado Rockies’ Pitching Situation

The Rockies are also navigating their pitching challenges. Left-hander Kyle Freeland, who will make his 11th start of the season on Wednesday, has had an up-and-down year.

Kyle Freeland’s Performance

Freeland’s performance has been inconsistent. Despite a strong stretch from late June to mid-July, his recent start saw him give up six runs in just four innings against the San Francisco Giants.

Freeland’s Recent Struggles and Successes

Freeland had a five-start stretch where he went 2-0 with a 1.95 ERA, showcasing his ability to dominate. However, maintaining this level of performance has been a challenge.

Rockies’ Center Field Dilemma

The Rockies are dealing with their own roster adjustments, particularly in center field. Brenton Doyle, the team’s regular center fielder, has been dealing with a finger contusion.

Brenton Doyle’s Injury

Doyle sustained his injury in an unusual manner, hurting his finger when he angrily threw a towel. His absence from the starting lineup on Tuesday highlighted the team’s depth issues.

Sam Hilliard Stepping In

Sam Hilliard started in center field for the Rockies in Doyle’s absence. Hilliard’s performance will be crucial as the Rockies look to stabilize their outfield.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Angels and Colorado Rockies are both navigating the complexities of integrating young talent into their rosters. The Angels’ youth movement, combined with strategic trades, positions them for a promising future. Meanwhile, the Rockies continue to address their pitching and outfield challenges. As these teams face off, the focus will be on how their young players perform under pressure and adapt to their evolving roles.

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