Angels Look to Sweep Padres in the Series Finale at Petco Park

It’s shaping up to be a sunny day in San Diego as the Halos look to sweep the Padres in the series finale at Petco Park. After an exciting night for Jo Adell, who heroically saved the Angels from being at the bad end of a no-hitter, Mike Mayers (4.16 ERA) will lead the bullpen in his 2nd start of the season. First pitch is at 5:10 PM.

Mayers will face off against Padres right hander Yu Darvish (4.05 ERA). Unlike Mayers, Darvish has spent more time on the mound as a starter this season with 25 games started, but over the last 7 games, he’s been unable to earn the Padres a win.

On the Halos side, Mayers has secured 2 wins in his last 7 outings. Most recently, he made an appearance for 1 inning on Sept. 6 against the Texas Rangers. He’ll take the mound tonight with a 4-4 record, but if the night goes well, he’ll claim his 5th win while also bringing the Halos back to their .500 record.

Mayers taking the mound as a starter might seem like an odd rotation, but it’s been an interesting couple of weeks for the Halos bullpen. With José Suarez throwing his first complete game on Sept. 5 and Shohei Ohtani reaching a career-high 117 pitches on Sept. 4, Joe Maddon might be hoping that Mayers can uncover another pitching gem for team as the Halos attempt to push the Padres farther back from the NL West Wild Card spot.

Speaking of new choices and unique change ups, this is the lineup that will face Darvish:

After going 0-for-4 last night, Brandon Marsh will move up the lineup to Shohei Ohtani’s regular shot at number 2, and Jared Walsh will join the Halos after a brief defensive appearance in the bottom of the 9th last night. David Fletcher will retain his number 1 spot where he’s been successful in past games, rounding out with .284 average.

Ohtani will be missing in action with no designated hitters in NL ballparks, but if Maddon’s lineup changes from last night are any indication, fans might be treated to a late Ohtani appearance in the game - usually right when the Halos need it most.

Max Stassi will receive Mayers from behind the plate, and without Luis Rengifo, the infield will make a slight shift to put Jack Mayfield at shortstop and Phil “the Goose” Gosselin at 3rd base.

At this point in the season, it seems like Maddon is content to keep making moves to the lineup until the team finds their stride toward breaking that .500 record. The Halos now stand 9 games back from the AL West Wild Card spot.

Thursday will provide a nice break in the schedule after tonight’s game, and the Halos will return on Friday at 5:10 PM to take on the Houston Astros with Shohei Ohtani on the mound.

Wednesday News & Notables

• Angels 3rd base coach, Brian Butterfield, received a shoutout from Derek Jeter during his Hall of Fame speech.
• Shohei Ohtani looks to secure his 10th win of the season on Friday against the Houston Astros. Suarez and Barria will be up next.