{"id":60832,"date":"2023-08-18T11:14:59","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T15:14:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=60832"},"modified":"2023-08-18T11:14:59","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T15:14:59","slug":"shohei-ohtani-powers-angels-to-face-rays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/18\/shohei-ohtani-powers-angels-to-face-rays\/","title":{"rendered":"Shohei Ohtani Powers Angels to Face Rays"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/16\/angels-hit-rock-bottom\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Angels<\/a> (60-62) are set to take on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2023\/08\/16\/al-playoffs-race-wildcard\/\" target=\"_self\">Tampa Bay Rays<\/a> (73-50) in a thrilling MLB matchup at Angel Stadium. The game promises to deliver exciting plays and fierce competition between these two American League teams.<\/p>\n<p>[pickup_prop id=&#8221;34456&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/o\/ohtansh01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shohei Ohtani<\/a> Powers Angels to Face Rays<\/h2>\n<p>On the mound for the Angels will be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=anderty01,anders010tyl&amp;search=Tyler+Anderson&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Anderson<\/a>, who holds a record of 5-4 with a 5.28 ERA. He will face off against the Rays&#8217; starting pitcher, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=ramirer02,ramirer01&amp;search=Erasmo+Ram\u00edrez&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Erasmo Ram\u00edrez<\/a>, who has a record of 2-3 with a 5.72 ERA. Both pitchers will be looking to control the game and give their team a chance to secure the win.<\/p>\n<p>The Angels, currently fourth in the American League West, have been led by the outstanding performances of their designated hitter, Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani boasts a batting average of .306 and leads the team in home runs with 42. As a two-way player, Ohtani&#8217;s contributions on both offense and as a pitcher have been instrumental to the Angels&#8217; success.<\/p>\n<p>The Rays, sitting in a strong position as the second-ranked team in the American League East, have had a remarkable season. First baseman <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/diazya01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Yandy D\u00edaz<\/a> has been a standout player for Tampa Bay, with an impressive batting average of .322. The Rays will rely on their depth and balanced lineup to match up with the Angels.<\/p>\n<p>[metabet_core_game_tile query=&#8221;531697&#8243; size=&#8221;350&#215;300&#8243; site_id=&#8221;lastwordonsports&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The game will take place on Friday, August 18th, at 6:38 PM Pacific Time. Fans can catch the action on MLB Network as these two teams battle it out on the diamond.<\/p>\n<h3>What to Watch For:<\/h3>\n<p>&#8211; Shohei Ohtani will look to add to his impressive home run tally and be a key offensive force for the Angels.<br \/>\n&#8211; Can the Rays&#8217; bullpen shut down the Angels&#8217; powerful lineup and give their team a chance to secure the win?<br \/>\n&#8211; Keep an eye on the offensive matchups as both teams feature strong hitters who can change the course of the game with one swing of the bat.<\/p>\n<h3>Injuries:<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Los Angeles Angels:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/a\/adelljo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jo Adell<\/a> (LF, Oblique, D60), Jos\u00e9 Suarez (SP, Shoulder, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/stassma01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Max Stassi<\/a> (C, Hip, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/q\/quijajo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jos\u00e9 Quijada<\/a> (RP, Elbow, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/o\/ohopplo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Logan O&#8217;Hoppe<\/a> (C, Shoulder, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/n\/netoza01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zach Neto<\/a> (SS, Back, D10), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/u\/urshegi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gio Urshela<\/a> (SS, Pelvis, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/devench02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Devenski<\/a> (RP, Hamstring, D15), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=warreau01,warren002aus&amp;search=Austin+Warren&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Austin Warren<\/a> (RP, Elbow, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/t\/troutmi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mike Trout<\/a> (CF, Hand, D10), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bachmsa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Bachman<\/a> (RP, Shoulder, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/martejo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jos\u00e9 Marte<\/a> (RP, Elbow, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=rodrich01,rodrig032chr,rodrig014chr,rodrig028chr&amp;search=Chris+Rodriguez&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Rodriguez<\/a> (RP, Shoulder, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rendoan01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Rendon<\/a> (3B, Shin, D10), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=daniel008dav&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Davis Daniel<\/a> (SP, Shoulder, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wardta01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Taylor Ward<\/a> (LF, Face, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/j\/joycebe01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ben Joyce<\/a> (RP, Arm, D60)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tampa Bay Rays:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sprinje01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeffrey Springs<\/a> (SP, Elbow, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rasmudr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Drew Rasmussen<\/a> (SP, Flexor, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wallsta01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Taylor Walls<\/a> (2B, Oblique, D10), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=kellyke02,kelly-003kev&amp;search=Kevin+Kelly&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Kelly<\/a> (RP, Undisclosed, D15), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bazsh01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shane Baz<\/a> (SP, Elbow, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mejiafr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Francisco Mej\u00eda<\/a> (C, Knee, D10), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcclash01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shane McClanahan<\/a> (SP, Forearm, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sirijo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jose Siri<\/a> (CF, Hand, Day-to-Day), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/cleavga01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Garrett Cleavinger<\/a> (RP, Knee, D60), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/margoma01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-08-18_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Manuel Margot<\/a> (CF, Elbow, D10)<\/p>\n<p>Main photo credits:<\/p>\n<p>Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Los Angeles Angels (60-62) are set to take on the Tampa Bay Rays (73-50) in a thrilling MLB matchup at Angel Stadium. The game promises to deliver exciting plays and fierce competition between these two American League teams. [pickup_prop id=&#8221;34456&#8243;] Shohei Ohtani Powers Angels to Face Rays On the mound for the Angels will [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4389,"featured_media":60834,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16,6],"tags":[1346,2116,3354,248,1333,2003,2178,5648,709,2496],"class_list":["post-60832","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-angels","category-rays","tag-erasmo-ramirez","tag-francisco-mejia","tag-jo-adell","tag-mike-trout","tag-shane-baz","tag-shane-mcclanahan","tag-shohei-ohtani","tag-taylor-walls","tag-tyler-anderson","tag-yandy-diaz"],"modified_by":"Troy Brock","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60832","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4389"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60832"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60832\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60834"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}