That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies vs. Angels: What you should know about the series

By Mike Azzalina

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 31: Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by Aaron Altherr #23 after hitting a three-run home run in the third inning during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on July 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 31: Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by Aaron Altherr #23 after hitting a three-run home run in the third inning during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on July 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – JULY 30: Albert Pujols
TORONTO, ON – JULY 30: Albert Pujols /

The Team: Anaheim Angels

The Anaheim Angels are a team sitting just barely under .500 (51-55) and in fourth place. In the far off distance, the Houston Astros continue to run away with the division. I really did not expect the Astros to be anywhere near .500 when the season began, but here they sit.

The Angels offense is not a very exciting one outside of the obvious. They come in just ahead of the Phillies in runs scored with 442 (4.1 per game). Their team .700 OPS is worst in the American League and 29th in baseball. It is also being pulled up by the efforts of Mike Trout’s individual 1.134 OPS. The Angels have hit 113 homers, which is 13th in the AL and rank dead last in baseball with 280 extra basehits.

Team pitching seems to be their strength and what is keeping them afloat to this point. They rank in the middle of baseball when it comes to most of the major stats, but two stood out to me. The Angels are in the top ten in baseball in walks allowed and WHIP against them. The two are obviously aligned in some capacity, but it says that they do not put themselves into difficult positions very often.

The Phillies offense will be challenged this week, but it seems as though the pitching staff may be able to continue the hot streak they have been on as of late.

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