The Angels start a 6-game home stand Friday with a 3-game series against the AL Central division leading Cleveland Indians. The Indians sit atop the Central after starting the season 21-9. Their 21-9 record is the best in the AL and tied with Philadelphia for the best in baseball.
With their win in Boston Thursday afternoon, the Angels are 18-4, one game better than the second-place Texas Rangers. Making his sixth start of the season, rookie right-hander Tyler Chatwood goes for the Angels in the series opener. Chatwood (2-1, 4.94 ERA) got his first career start against Cleveland earlier this season. In that game, Chatwood gave up 4 runs on 4 hits over 5 innings, giving up home runs to Matt LaPorta and Asdrubal Cabrera. He also walked 4 batters while striking out 3.
Meanwhile, Indians right-hander Justin Masterson (5-0, 2.25 ERA) is enjoying a turn-around season in Cleveland. Masterson won his first 5 starts of the year before getting a no-decision in last Sunday's 5-4 victory over Detroit and is looking to match his career high in wins with his victory. While Chatwood made his major league debut against the Indians this season, Masterson made his major league debut against the Angels in 2008. In 30 innings against Los Angeles (7 games, 4 starts), Masterson has a 2-0 record and a 2.70 ERA.
Who's Hot - Last 7 Games:
Torii Hunter - 10 for his last 25 (.400), 3 2B
Hank Conger - 5 for his last 12 (.417), 1 HR
Howie Kendrick - 12 for his last 31 (.387), 7 R, 2 SB
Mark Trumbo - 6 for his last 15 (.400), 3 HR, 8 RBI
Michael Brantley - 10 for his last 26 (.385), 1 HR, 1 SB
Orlando Cabrera - 9 for his last 23 (.391)
Matt LaPorta - 8 for his last 22 (.364), 1 HR, 5 RBI
Who's Cold - Last 7 Games:
Jeff Mathis - 3 for his last 17 (.176)
Shin-Soo Choo - 3 for his last 23 (.214)
Grady Sizemore - 2 for his last 18 (.111)
Game time is 7:05 (PDT) and will be show in Fox Sports West. For more Angels news, be sure to check out Halo Heaven.