Max Scherzer, the veteran pitcher for the Texas Rangers, is gearing up to face the struggling Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim on Tuesday. Despite not being the dominant force he once was, Scherzer has been showing signs of improvement in each start since returning from offseason back surgery. In his most recent outing against the San Diego Padres, he pitched 6 1/3 innings and threw 90 pitches, a positive sign of progress for the 39-year-old pitcher.
Scherzer, with a record of 1-2 and a 2.70 ERA this season, has a history of success against the Angels, boasting a 5-1 record and a 2.09 ERA in seven starts. His performance will be crucial for the Rangers as they look to extend their four-game winning streak against an Angels team that has lost seven of their last eight games.
On the Angels’ side, Anthony Rendon is expected to start as the designated hitter after returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him since April. Rendon, determined to finish the season strong, expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success moving forward. Angels manager Ron Washington has full confidence in Rendon’s abilities and believes he will bounce back stronger after his injury setback.
The Angels will send Roansy Contreras to the mound on Tuesday, with the right-hander making his third start of the season as an opener in a bullpen game. Contreras has struggled to keep opponents from scoring in his previous outings but will look to turn things around against the Rangers. In a combined 5 2/3 innings against the Oakland A’s, he gave up four runs, three of which were earned, and seven hits.
In addition to the pitching matchup, all eyes will be on Corey Seager of the Rangers, who has been a thorn in the Angels’ side with seven home runs in his last 15 games against them. Seager’s offensive prowess will be a key factor for the Rangers as they aim to continue their winning streak and secure a victory against the struggling Angels.
Overall, the upcoming game between the Rangers and the Angels presents an intriguing matchup between two teams with different trajectories this season. While the Rangers are looking to build on their recent success, the Angels are hoping to turn their fortunes around with key players like Rendon back in the lineup. The outcome of Tuesday’s game could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.