Angels at Rangers
Wintry weather forced the postponement of the Los Angeles Angels' contest at Wrigley Field on Sunday, but they hope to still have plenty of momentum - and superstar outfielder Mike Trout - when they open a three-game series at the Texas Rangers on Monday. Trout, who is sidelined with a groin injury, is expected to rejoin the team in Texas and could be back in the lineup soon.
The Rangers hope Trout misses a few more contests after the two-time Most Valuable Player slugged five home runs and drove in nine in a four-game series against Texas at home earlier this month. That series was part of a 7-1 surge for the Angels, who have scored at least five runs in five of their last seven games. Texas carries in some momentum of its own after it rallied for four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to steal an 8-7 triumph over Oakland on Sunday. Shortstop Elvis Andrus homered in a 3-for-4 performance to raise his average to .414.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Southwest Plus (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Trevor Cahill (1-1, 3.50 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Shelby Miller (0-1, 9.53)
Cahill has lasted exactly six innings in each of his first three starts, allowing a total of three runs over his last two. He has walked just two batters in 18 innings while holding opponents to a .212 average. The 31-year-old is 11-4 with a 3.22 ERA in 20 career starts against Texas.
Miller has stumbled out of the gate with Texas, allowing six runs in 5 2/3 innings through his first two starts. The 28-year-old has issued eight walks while fanning only three as a Ranger, falling to 0-5 with a 10.38 ERA in seven games (six starts) over the last two seasons. Miller has not pitched since he was chased after two frames at Los Angeles on April 7, which left him 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA lifetime versus the Angels.
WALK-OFFS
1. Andrus is 10-for-21 with seven RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.
2. Angels OF Brian Goodwin was 5-for-10 with a home run and three doubles in the last series against Texas.
3. Rangers RHP Jose Leclerc picked up the save in Sunday's win with a scoreless inning after giving up four runs in two-thirds of an inning over his previous two outings.