Angels at Athletics
The Los Angeles Angels have added several pieces to their lineup in order help superstar Mike Trout, and one of those is hoping to make an impact as a two-way player. Japanese star Shohei Ohtani is expected to make his major-league debut on Thursday afternoon as the Angels visit the Oakland Athletics for the first contest of their season-opening four-game series.
The 23-year-old Ohtani is slated to be in Los Angeles' lineup as either the designated hitter or an outfielder several times a week while also filling a slot in the team's six-man starting rotation. Ohtani struggled in both roles during the spring, however, hitting .125 with one RBI and 10 strikeouts in 32 at-bats while allowing nine runs and nine hits - three homers - over 2 2/3 innings in two starts. The Angels also have added Ian Kinsler and Zack Cozart and will get a full season from Justin Upton when they begin the season against Oakland, which once again will be led by the powerful bat of Khris Davis. The 30-year-old slugger is coming off back-to-back 40-homer, 100-RBI seasons but entered the Athletics' final Cactus League contest with only six hits in 53 at-bats this spring.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (2017: 0-2, 2.28 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (2017: 6-4, 4.19)
After recording a career-high 15 victories in 2015, Richards has notched a total of one while make only six starts each of the last two seasons due to arm injuries. The 29-year-old Californian had a solid spring, allowing four runs and eight hits while registering 14 strikeouts over 12 2/3 innings in four starts. Richards, who is making his second career Opening Day start, is 2-4 with a 4.12 ERA in 16 career appearances (12 starts) against Oakland.
Graveman makes his second career Opening Day start after also getting the call against Los Angeles last season. The 27-year-old native of Alabama struggled this spring, surrendering 12 runs and 18 hits over 14 1/3 innings after being limited to 19 turns last season due to injuries. Graveman has made 11 career starts versus the Angels, going 2-2 with one complete game and a 3.96 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Trout drove in only 72 runs last year, marking the first time he finished with fewer than 83 RBIs in six seasons.
2. Oakland LHP prospect A.J. Puk likely needs Tommy John surgery after being shut down last week due to biceps soreness.
3. Los Angeles 1B/DH Albert Pujols owns a .433 lifetime average against Graveman with three homers and 10 RBIs.