Toronto Blue Jays vs La Angels Picks and Predictions August 22nd 2024

Angels Seek Redemption in Crucial Four-Game Series Against Blue Jays

The Los Angeles Angels are heading to Toronto with one goal in mind: to get revenge for their recent sweep by the Blue Jays. As they kick off a four-game series on Thursday night, both teams are looking to bounce back from their own rough patches and reclaim some momentum in the race for the playoffs.

Angels Out for Revenge

The Angels are coming into this series with something to prove. The Blue Jays thoroughly outplayed them in a three-game sweep in Anaheim from August 12-14, outscoring them 19-5. Now, the Angels are looking for payback as they face off in Toronto.

Since that tough series, the Angels haven’t found much success, going 2-4 in their last six games, including losses to the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals. Their most recent game—a 3-0 shutout loss to the Royals—highlighted their ongoing struggles, especially with generating offense.

Blue Jays Looking to Rebound After Collapse

Despite their earlier dominance over the Angels, the Blue Jays have hit a rough patch of their own. They’ve also gone 2-4 in their last six games, suffering series losses to the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. In their latest game, the Blue Jays let a 6-0 lead slip away, eventually losing 11-7 to the Reds. This collapse has undoubtedly shaken their confidence as they prepare to face the Angels once again.

Uncertain Pitching Matchups

The pitching lineup for the series opener is still up in the air. The Blue Jays haven’t announced a starter for Thursday’s game; they were planning on Chris Bassitt, but decided to give their starters an extra day of rest. This could lead to a bullpen game, with left-handed reliever Ryan Yarbrough potentially stepping in to start. Yarbrough has struggled against the Angels in the past, posting a 5.87 ERA in eight career games against them.

On the other side, the Angels are expected to start Griffin Canning, who has had a challenging season with a 4-11 record and a 5.41 ERA. His previous outings against the Blue Jays haven’t been encouraging either, with a 6.52 ERA in two career starts against Toronto. Given these stats, the Angels might consider using an opener before bringing in Canning, a strategy they’ve hinted at recently.

Key Players to Watch

George Springer: The Blue Jays’ outfielder is on a power surge, hitting three home runs in the last two games. His ability to set the tone at the top of the lineup makes him a major threat to the Angels’ pitching staff.

Kevin Pillar: Returning to Toronto, where he played from 2013-2019, Angels outfielder Kevin Pillar is eager to make an impact. Pillar’s time in Toronto was a defining period of his career, and his return adds an emotional layer to this series.

Series Implications

This series carries significant weight for both teams as they fight to improve their standing in the playoff race. The Angels, driven by a desire for redemption, are also battling to stay in the postseason picture. The Blue Jays, despite their recent struggles, remain a tough opponent and will be looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage at Rogers Centre.

With both teams desperate to turn their fortunes around, this series promises to be a tightly contested battle. The performances of key players like George Springer and the pitching strategies employed by both teams will be crucial in determining the outcome. As the regular season winds down, the stakes are higher than ever, making this a must-watch series for baseball fans.