On September 16, 2018, the Los Angeles Angels will play host to the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. This will be the first game of a four-game series between two clubs that have entirely distinct short-term goals.
The Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays both have 80–62 records and are currently tied for the top wild-card berth in the American League. The Tampa Bay Rays are only half a game behind the Mariners and the Blue Jays.
The Angels (61–82), who have been eliminated for a long time from any realistic chance of making the postseason, are making use of the remaining games to get a good look at some of their younger players, including an outfielder who is 24 years old.
In essence, Moniak was a bust for the Phillies, which resulted in him being selected first overall in the 2016 draught. The Mets acquired Moniak from the Phillies on August 2, 2018, at the trade deadline in exchange for the pitcher Noah Syndergaard.
In 105 at-bats over the course of three seasons, he appeared in 47 games, had a batting average of.129, and was responsible for just two extra-base hits (one home run and one double).
This season could have gone differently had he not broken his right hand in the final game of spring training. He was out until the end of May because of the injury.
After being traded to the Angels, his run of bad luck continued when, just five days later, he broke a finger when he was struck by a pitch when he was attempting to bunt.
However, in the short time that Moniak has spent with the Angels, he has developed into a completely different player than he was before. He has an OPS of.881 and a batting average of.250 through 11 games, with three home runs, two doubles, and a triple.
Moniak has stated that he is not shocked by the about-face, particularly considering his power potential.
Moniak is quoted as saying, “I assume it’s always been there.” “I believe that if you look back at my numbers from my time in the minor leagues, you will see that they gradually increased. Basically just growing older as my body does. In addition, I hit six home runs throughout this spring training. That means it has never been removed.
“But it’s hitting, and you have to feel comfortable up there, and you have to have everything working in your favour. I’ve become used to the layout of this place, and I believe that’s the reason why business is picking up.”
After graduating from La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, California, which is located in the northern part of San Diego County, Moniak was selected in the draught.
“I believe there’s a comfort level for him, being closer to home, and being around family,” said Angels interim manager Phil Nevin, who was also a first overall choice in the draught. “I think there’s a comfort level for him.” “Philly can be a tough place for a lot of folks. It is a unique city, yet living there can be challenging at times. I believe that the amount of ease that we are witnessing from him right now is going to be of enormous benefit to him, and that we are going to see the finest possible version of who he is.
On the other hand, Julio Rodriguez, a rookie outfielder for the Mariners, is only 21 years old but has already made his impact in the major leagues. Wednesday night’s game against the Padres was the occasion of his 25th stolen base of the season, making him just the third rookie in the history of the major leagues to hit 25 home runs and steal 25 bases in a season. He accomplished this feat in 125 games, which is a faster pace than any other player, including Mike Trout, who did it in 128 games.
Rodriguez expressed the sentiment that “whatever I do, every single stat I put up, I just do it for the team.” “I don’t think I’m attempting to elevate myself above everyone else,” I said. I simply want to be able to contribute to the success of the team.
Michael Lorenzen, a right-handed pitcher with a 6-6 record and a 4.70 earned run average, will make his 15th start of the season for the Angels. In three career appearances (two starts) against Seattle, he has a record of 0-2 with a career ERA of 9.64.
Robbie Ray, a left-handed pitcher for Seattle, will make his 29th start of the season. He has a 12-9 record and a 3.56 earned run average. In four career starts versus the Angels, he has a record of 3-0 with a 1.33 earned run average.
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