Angels and Padres Face Off Amid Injuries and Struggles

Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles Angels are struggling as they prepare to face the San Diego Padres this week. The Angels, with a record of 16-23, have lost six of their last ten games and finished April with a disappointing 9-16. Once looking promising with a 7-3 start, they now sit six games behind in the AL West with a run differential of minus-65, better than only the Colorado Rockies and the Miami Marlins.

Meanwhile, the Padres are enjoying a strong season. They currently hold a 25-14 record, ranking second in the NL West after finishing a recent road trip with a 6-3 mark. A recent loss put them behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lead the league. Last season, the Padres were swept in a three-game series at Anaheim, but this year they have had an impressive home record of 14-4.

For the Angels, statistics reveal a bleak situation. They rank 26th in OPS (.659) and last in on-base percentage (.274). Their pitching staff has not fared much better, placing 21st in rotation ERA (4.13) and 29th in bullpen ERA (6.94). Outfielder Jo Adell has shown some promise, hitting three home runs in six games, while third baseman Yoan Moncada and outfielder Taylor Ward have also been productive.

Looking ahead to the series, Angels left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (0-4, 3.83 ERA) will start Monday against Padres right-hander Michael King (4-1, 2.22 ERA). Kikuchi has a 5.79 ERA in three career starts against the Padres, but he hasn’t faced them since 2020. King has been impressive lately, not allowing over two earned runs in any of his last five starts.

On Tuesday, Angels right-hander Jose Soriano (2-4, 4.00 ERA) will pitch against Padres rival Dylan Cease (1-2, 4.91 ERA). Soriano has not recorded a win since April 10, while Cease is recovering from forearm cramping and has struggled with a 6.65 ERA in his previous five starts.

Injuries have plagued both teams. The Angels are missing star outfielder Mike Trout due to a knee injury and several other players, including outfielder Gustavo Campero and pitchers Ben Joyce and Garrett McDaniels. Meanwhile, Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill is day-to-day with an undisclosed illness, although RHP Yu Darvish is nearing a return from injury.

The matchup between the Angels and Padres promises to highlight their respective struggles and opportunities for recovery. The series kicks off Monday night at Angel Stadium.