Toronto Blue Jays at Los Angeles Angels
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Interstat) — The Toronto Blue Jays will look to build on a rare offensive breakout when they open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night at Angel Stadium.
The Blue Jays (8-13) arrive after snapping a three-game skid with a 10-4 win at Arizona on Sunday. Toronto had scored three or fewer runs in seven of its previous eight games before the outburst.
A player to watch for Toronto is outfielder Nathan Lukes, who broke out of a prolonged slump in the victory. Lukes went 3 for 5 with three RBIs against the Diamondbacks, raising his average from .088 to .171. He had been hitless in his previous 22 at-bats before Sunday’s performance.
The Angels (11-12) return home after losing two of three to San Diego, including a 2-1 defeat on Sunday. Los Angeles has split its last 10 games.
Right-hander Walbert Urena is a key figure for the Angels after a strong start his last time out. On Sunday, Urena took a hard-luck loss, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings while striking out eight against the Padres.
The pitching matchup features Toronto’s Dylan Cease (0-0) against Los Angeles left-hander Reid Detmers (1-1). Cease will make his season debut for the Blue Jays. Detmers has a 4.15 ERA through four starts.
Despite their losing record, the Blue Jays have been installed as a -1.5 run favorite by oddsmakers. The over/under for total runs is set at 7.5. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-3 Angels victory.
This series begins a six-game homestand for the Angels, who will host the Blue Jays through Wednesday before traveling to Kansas City. Following this set, the Blue Jays continue a nine-game road trip with two more here before heading home to face Cleveland on Friday.