HOUSTON — Nine of this season’s final 13 games for the Angels are against either the Chicago White Sox or Texas Rangers. The White Sox (36-117) have long been eliminated from postseason contention, and the Rangers (73-80) are very likely to be once that season-closing series arrives on Sept. 27.
But in the middle of those 13 games is this weekend’s four-game set against the AL West-leading Astros (82-70) at Minute Maid Park. For the Angels (62-90), it’s their final opportunity to play in games with significance to the 2024 postseason race, and Manager Ron Washington hopes they learn from the opportunity.
“You get the experience,” Washington said. “They need that experience, because in the future – and soon – we expect to be in the playoffs. So, they get to have that experience of what it’s like, and just prove to ourselves that we can compete.”
Houston swept the Angels last weekend in Anaheim, though it was competitive, with each loss coming by two runs. One of the standouts in that series was 27-year-old third baseman Eric Wagaman, who was promoted from Triple-A Salt Lake on Sept. 10, and he’s embracing the stage versus a team that entered Thursday with MLB’s sixth-best ERA.
“Any time you get an opportunity in a game where it does mean something, it adds a little something to it,” said Wagaman, who hit three doubles against Houston pitchers in Anaheim. “It’s a fun environment. I know technically we’re out of it, but we still want to win these games and maybe make it harder on them to make the playoffs.”
WAGAMAN FINDS EARLY SUCCESS
It’s been an encouraging week for Wagaman, and not just against the Astros. After starting his major league career with an 0-for-8 stretch over his first three games, he entered Thursday with an 8-for-22 stretch over his last five, including those three doubles and a pair of home runs. His OPS is 1.136 over that span.
“I’ve come to understand that at this level, you’ve got to be more specific with your approach,” said Wagaman, a former Aliso Niguel High and Orange Coast College standout. “You need to understand what they’re trying to do, as pitchers. “But, it’s also about knowing what you’re good at, and what you’re looking for. I’m hoping they make a mistake, and if they do, I try not to miss it. If I do miss it, it usually turns into a tougher at-bat.”
Wagaman had five hits and those two homers against the White Sox, and his contributions played a key role in the Angels winning their first series since a three-gamer versus Seattle at the end of August.
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“It feels good, especially having two [wins] in a row and not going one-one-one,” said Wagaman, whose five extra-base hits tied Jackie Warner (1966) for the most in club history after seven career games. “It’s a good feeling for the whole team, getting it rolling into this series.”
INJURY UPDATES
Outfielder Kevin Pillar (left thumb sprain) hit off a high-velocity pitching machine Thursday and also participated in fielding drills. “He has to get out there and squeeze the ball coming into his glove,” Washington said. “If all that takes care of itself … then we have to make a decision. Today, the challenge was for him to go out there and catch balls.” …
Outfielder Mickey Moniak hasn’t started since bruising his left hand last Sunday on a hit-by-pitch, though he did make an appearance off the bench late in Wednesday’s victory over the White Sox. “Moniak’s gonna take some swings today [in batting practice], and then we’ll monitor him from there,” Washington said.
UP NEXT
Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson, 10-13, 3.60 ERA) at Astros (RHP Justin Verlander, 4-6, 5.20 ERA), Friday, 5:10 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM