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6:38 PM PT is the set time for Ohtani to take the mound against the struggling Rockies. The Rockies come into Anaheim not having won a series since the All Star break. Ohtani comes in with a 4-1 record and impressive 3.21 ERA.
Angels are looking to get over .500
The Angels are in a very interesting position. They are exactly at .500 so they’re not doing great, but they’re not doing bad either. Of course any team with Trout, Ohtani, and Rendon should have higher expectations but that’s beside the point.
This will mark Ohtani’s third start in July and perhaps his most important start as an Angel. Having missed the playoffs since 2014, the Angels haven’t played many meaningful games in the past decade. But with a win to set the tone against a very beatable Rockies, the Angels could end up 3 games over .500 and 3 games behind a Wild Card spot.
Ohtani has been lights out in July
Ohtani’s previous 2 starts in July were great. He went 7 innings against the Red Sox and 6 innings against the A’s. He only gave up 2 runs against the Red Sox and didn’t give up any against the A’s. In total, he pitched 13 innings and only gave up 8 hits and 1 walk which is absolutely stellar.
Ohtani needs to keep that going against the Rockies, his easiest opponent in the month of July. A win could very well put the Angels on the brink of becoming buyers at the deadline.
