Reds at Angels
The Los Angeles Angels got off to a strong start on their six-game homestand thanks in large part to their middle infielders. The club seeks its third straight overall victory and a sweep of its two-game interleague series when it hosts the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.
Los Angeles second baseman Tommy La Stella highlighted his second straight two-hit performance by leading off the first inning with an inside-the-park homer that forged a tie, which was broken when rookie shortstop Luis Rengifo belted a three-run shot in the following frame. Two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year, is slated to throw off a mound Wednesday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October. Ohtani also drove in a run as the Angels posted their third consecutive home victory on Tuesday. Joey Votto launched a solo homer in the first inning for the Reds, who have lost three in a row after beginning their six-game road trip with a pair of wins.
TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tanner Roark (5-6, 3.47 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jaime Barria (2-2, 6.52)
Roark ended his three-start losing streak on Thursday, when he allowed one run and three hits in six innings at Milwaukee. The 32-year-old native of Illinois registered seven strikeouts and did not issue a walk for the second straight outing. Roark hit three batters, giving him a share of the lead in the National League with seven.
Barria is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to make his second start of the season for Los Angeles. After making four appearances (one start) in April, the 22-year-old Panamanian spent the majority of May in the minors before rejoining the Angels earlier this month to make a five-inning relief outing against Oakland. Barria has yet to face Cincinnati in his brief career.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels RHP Alex Meyer, a 29-year-old 2011 first-round draft pick of Washington who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2017 due to shoulder issues, announced his retirement on Tuesday.
2. Votto has gone 5-for-10 with two homers and four RBIs over his last three games.
3. Los Angeles SS Andrelton Simmons (ankle) was sent to Single-A Inland Empire for a rehab assignment.