Series Preview #24: Angels @ Diamondbacks

Series Preview #24 presents Angels at Diamondbacks, as Arizona followed up a series win over Cincinnati with a home clash against Los Angeles. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is close to returning, taking batting practice and running while manager Torey Lovullo said June 14 they are finalizing a return plan. The Angels added depth in the offseason with Adam Frazier, Yoan Moncada, and Jose Siri, and signed Drew Pomeranz to a $5 million deal, with other familiar relievers like Brent Suter, Kirby Yates, and Jordan Romano in the mix. On the injury front, Soler, Grissom, Frazier, D’Arnaud, and Moncada have no timetable for return; Yusei Kikuchi and Ben Joyce are also out, while Wade Meckler and Grayson Rodriguez are day to day. Mike Trout has played 71 games, with 15 homers and a 134 OPS+, yet a 2-week span showed a 34 WRC+ slump as supporters hope for offense from the lineup, and the Diamondbacks seek to respond with healthy contributions from their roster.