The Los Angeles Angels look to snap a three-game losing streak tonight, opening a two-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. While the Angels had their struggles in their opening weekend, dropping the final three games in Kansas City, at least the Angels won a game. Tampa Bay was busy getting swept by the Orioles over the weekend, and are looking for their first win of the season.
Jered Weaver, who allowed no runs in 6 1/3 innings in a win Thursday over the Royals, gets the start tonight for the Angels. Weaver is 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA in five career starts against the Rays. Jeff Niemann gets the call for the Rays, making his first start of the season.
With the bullpen struggling of late, the Angels made a move today, announcing that Jordan Walden will be the closer for the immediate future, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. Fernando Rodney, who is 1-for-2 in save opportunities this year after blowing seven saves last season, has been demoted to setup work for now. The Angels are 9-15 in their last 24 games at Tropicana Field. Tonight's 4:10 p.m. PDT game will be televised by KCOP.
For more news and information on the Angels or tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.