Description: Angels right-hander Joe Blanton struck out 11 batters and allowed six hits and two runs over 6 2/3 innings Tuesday against Seattle.
Insight: Blanton is 1-10 with a 5.62 ERA and has no fantasy value right now, but that could change if he starts to have better luck. He has a .366 BABIP even though his line-drive rate is only slightly below average.
Description: Angels shortstop Erick Aybar has struggled against Mariners starter Jeremy Bonderman.
Insight: Aybar is 3-for-14 with seven strikeouts against the right-hander, who has returned to the majors this season for the first time since 2010 and gone 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP over 18 2/3 innings.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton went 2-for-5 with a homer and two RBI Monday against Seattle.
Insight: Hamilton has been unable to sustain any sort of success this season due to his strikeouts. Even Monday he struck out twice, giving him 71 on the year.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols had four hits in five at-bats Monday night.
Insight: Pujols is starting to heat up. He's hitting .522 (12-for-23) with three doubles, one homer, five RBI and a 2/2 K/BB over his last five games. Pujols' power decline -- he has a 42.9 percent flyball rate and a career-low 10.8 percent HR/FB -- is a concern, but his batting average should continue to rise once he starts having better luck on groundballs. He's hitting just .172 on grounders this season and has a .264 BABIP.
Description: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick went 3-for-3 with one RBI and a walk Saturday against the Yankees, and he'll face CC Sabathia Sunday. He's 9-for-19 (.474) against the Yankees left-hander.
Insight: Kendrick is batting .336 with a career-high 29.6 percent line-drive rate and a career-best 17.4 percent HR/FB this season. He's hitting .500 (24-for-48) in June and should be active in all lineups.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton has just two hits in 17 at-bats against Yankees starter CC Sabathia.
Insight: The free-swinging Hamilton has been an absolute disaster at the plate this season, batting .213 with 22 RBI and 69 strikeouts in 258 at-bats. To put that into context, in 2012 Hamilton had 41 RBI and 23 strikeouts in 95 at-bats from April 14 to May 13.
Description: Los Angeles second baseman Howie Kendrick has had his problems with Yankees lefty Andy Pettitte, going just 4-for-24 (.167) over his career.
Insight: Kendrick has been on a hot streak batting .452 over the past two weeks to raise his average to .324. This matchup, however, is unfavorable.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols went 3-for-5 with a homer and two RBI Wednesday afternoon against the Orioles.
Insight: Pujols started out 0-for-2 but had a single, a double and a home run in his final three at-bats. Pujols has gutted through 64 games this season despite dealing with knee and foot injuries. He's batting .249 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI.
Description: Los Angeles second baseman Howie Kendrick is a career .600 hitter versus Baltimore starter Jason Hammel.
Insight: He's 14-for-27 (.518) over his last six games. Kendrick's hot streak has helped push his batting average to .321 with eight homers and 32 RBI.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout has homered in two straight games.
Insight: Trout will stay in the leadoff spot despite Peter Bourjos' activation from the DL. Trout batted leadoff for all 639 of his plate appearances last season. He's hitting .303 with 12 home runs, 42 RBI, 47 runs and 14 steals.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) is still throwing off the flat ground, not the mound as he tries to recover from his last setback after Tommy John surgery.
Insight: At this point there is no guarantee that Madson will return in 2013 and should not be taking up space on any rosters. Ernesto Frieri the man to have in the Angels' bullpen.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout will continue to bat leadoff despite the activation of Peter Bourjos from the disabled list.
Insight: Trout has batted in the No. 2 hole for most of the season, but in his breakout 2012 campaign he batted leadoff for all 639 plate appearances. Bourjos will bat ninth.
Description: Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos (hamstring) has been activated from the disabled list.
Insight: He was batting .313 with 12 runs scored, two homers, eight RBI and an .827 OPS before the late-April injury. Of significance is whether the team will put Bourjos back in the leadoff spot, or leave just-moved Mike Trout at the top of the order. Bourjos loses a lot of value if he's down in the order.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is hitless in eight at-bats versus Baltimore veteran Freddy Garcia.
Insight: Pujols is hitting .241 with 10 home runs and 37 RBI this season which actually puts him slightly behind where he was last year at this time. We know his foot is bothering him and at some point he'll likely need to rest it.
Description: Josh Hamilton is a career .333 hitter (4-for-12) against Freddy Garcia with three homer runs and a 1.468 OPS.
Insight: His .212 batting average through 62 games has fantasy owners growing impatient. The team has started him in the No. 2 hole of late in hopes that with Trout on base and Pujols for protection he'll see more hittable fastballs.
Description: Angels right-hander Joe Blanton allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in five innings Sunday against Boston. He served up three homers.
Insight: Blanton has been one of the worst starting pitchers in baseball this season and is now 1-10 with a 5.87 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP. It's astounding the Angels have allowed him to throw 76 2/3 innings.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols blasted a solo homer Sunday against the Red Sox.
Insight: Pujols is hitting .241 with 10 home runs this season in 272 plate appearances. He'll need some better results on balls in play (.234) to raise his batting average. That will be tough if he doesn't improve his career-low 11.2 percent HR/FB.
Description: Josh Hamilton is a career .067 hitter (1-for-15) against Boston starter Clay Buchholz.
Insight: His .216 batting average through 59 games is easily the lowest of his career and fantasy owners are growing impatient. Hamilton shouldn't be having this much trouble as he didn't switch leagues like Albert Pujols did when he struggled early last season. Sit him against Buchholz.
Description: Los Angeles second baseman Howie Kendrick delivered four hits Wednesday in a loss to the Cubs.
Insight: He's 10-for-16 (.625) over his last four games. Kendrick (.317, 8 HR) is fourth among major league second baseman in RBI (32) and sixth in OPS (.828).
Description: Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos (hamstring) is targeting Monday for a return to action, according to MLB.com.
Insight: Bourjos has been sidelined since late April with a strained left hamstring. He was batting .313 with 12 runs scored, two homers, eight RBI and an .827 OPS before the injury.
Description: Josh Hamilton is a career .133 hitter (2-for-15) against Cubs starter Matt Garza with no extra base hits and six strikeouts.
Insight: His .217 batting average through 58 games is easily the lowest of his career and fantasy owners are growing impatient. Hamilton shouldn't be having this much trouble as he didn't switch leagues like Albert Pujols did when he struggled early last season.
Description: Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos (hamstring) played in his first rehab game without incident and barring a setback should return for the weekend series.
Insight: Bourjos has been sidelined since late April with a strained left hamstring. He was batting .313 with 12 runs scored, 2 HR, 8 RBI and an .827 OPS.
Description: Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar is 9-for-18 (.500) with a 1.304 OPS versus Cubs starter Scott Feldman.
Insight: Aybar has produced three two-hit games in his last four contests to raise his average to .268. Add in a favorable matchup and he's a viable fantasy option for Tuesday.
Description: Los Angeles righthander Garrett Richards sprained his ankle Sunday against Houston. SOURCE: Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times
Insight: Richards didn't seem too worried about the injury after the game. The Angels might keep him out as a precaution but we wouldn't expect Richards to miss more than a couple games. Now that Richards (2-3, 5.15 ERA) isn't a starter his fantasy value is pretty limited.
Description: Josh Hamilton will DH Friday against Houston.
Insight: Hamilton missed two games earlier in the week because of back spasms. His .219 batting average through 53 games is easily the lowest of his career.
Description: Angels right fielder Josh Hamilton didn't play Thursday and is doubtful for Friday's game against Houston. He's dealing with back spasms.
Insight: He missed Tuesday's game with the same injury. Hamilton was starting to find his swing, but the injury has dealt him a setback. He batted just .188 this week.
Description: Angels right-hander Jered Weaver allowed five hits and one run and struck out seven over six innings Wednesday against the Dodgers in his first start back from the DL.
Insight: Weaver missed almost two months with a fractured non-throwing elbow. He dealt with diminished fastball velocity before his injury and didn't throw much harder last night. That could be an issue this season.
Description: Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos (hamstring) is expected to begin a rehab assignment next week, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: Bourjos has been sidelined since late April with a strained left hamstring. He intensified his running drills Monday and got through them with no problem, so he should be able to return in 10-14 days.
Description: Los Angeles righthander Jered Weaver has passed all the hurdles, has been activated and is expected to start on Wednesday against the Dodgers.
Insight: Weaver has been out almost two months with a broken elbow, but did throw 5 2/3 innings of one-hit baseball in an extended spring training game last week. Joe Blanton (1-7, 6.19 ERA) will probably move to the bullpen when Weaver returns. Make sure he's in your starting lineup for Wednesday.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton was scratched from Tuesday's starting lineup due to back spasms and is questionable for Wednesday's game against the LA Dodgers.
Insight: Hamilton has hit .244 in May which unfortunately is still a 40 point improvement over April. He's hit six homers and has a respectable .842 OPS over his last 25 games. He's slowly returning to form.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols "owns" Dodgers pitcher Chris Capuano to the tune of a .553 batting average (21-for-38) with five home runs, 12 RBI and a 1.675 OPS.
Insight: Hopefully, this favorable matchup will get Pujols' production headed in an upward direction as he's batting just .255 with a below .800 OPS over the past month.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton was scratched from Tuesday's starting lineup due to back spasms but he might be available to pinch-hit, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.
Insight: Hamilton has hit .261 with six homers over his last 19 games, which is an improvement on his .202 average over his first 32 but still well below expectations. The outfielder has struck out in 25.6 percent of his plate appearances, same as last year, but walked in 6.8 percent, down from 9.4 percent in 2012.
Description: Angels starter Tommy Hanson (personal) has been activated from the restricted list and is expected to rejoin the rotation Friday against Houston.
Insight: Hanson hasn't started since May 4 due to the death of his step-brother. He has been building up his stamina and threw 75 pitches in an extended spring training game over the weekend.
Description: The best pitching prospect this season in Anaheim's minor league system appears to be right-hander Jarret Grube, who is pitching wti the Double-A Arkansas Travelers.
Insight: The 31-year-old is 4-1 with a 3.12 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and a 49/10 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Given that the Angels are giving up 4.78 runs per game (even after an eight-game winning streak), Grube might be able to help.
Description: Los Angeles righthander Jered Weaver has passed all the hurdles and is expected to start on Wednesday against the Dodgers.
Insight: Weaver has been out almost two months with a broken elbow, but did throw 5 2/3 innings of one-hit baseball in an extended spring training game last week. Joe Blanton (1-7, 6.19 ERA) will probably move to the bullpen when Weaver returns. Make sure he's in your starting lineup for Wednesday.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is an ugly 1-for-19 (.053) in his matchups with Dodgers starter Zack Greinke.
Insight: Hamilton has batted .262 over the past two weeks with four home runs, certainly an improvement on his season average of .223, but this mathcup should be avoided.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton slammed a home run in the seventh inning on Sunday, his third long ball in his last six games.
Insight: It's probably not a coincidence that the Angels' winning streak is happening at the same time as Hamilton's hitting has improved. Heading into Sunday's game he was batting .278 with a 1.131 OPS over the past week.
Description: Billy Buckner threw five scoreless innings Saturday in his Angels debut.
Insight: He exited after 74 pitches. Buckner could be headed back to the minors, especially with Jered Weaver set to come off the disabled list sometime in the next week.
Description: Los Angeles Angels DH Mark Trumbo will be tested by Jeremy Guthrie as he's hitless in six at-bats versus the Royals starter.
Insight: Trumbo is batting .381 over his past five games and has 11 home runs this season to put him among the league leaders. This matchup, however, is not favorable.
Description: Angels starter Tommy Hanson (personal) is scheduled to throw 75 pitches Saturday in an extended spring training game, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.
Insight: Hanson hasn't started since May 4 due to the death of his step-brother. He has been building up his stamina in extended spring training and likely will need one more start after Saturday.
Description: Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos (hamstring) has started light jogging and taking batting practice this week, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: Bourjos has been sidelined since late April with a strained left hamstring. Since his game is based heavily on speed, he should make sure he is 100 percent healthy before returning.
Description: Angels starter Jered Weaver (left elbow) will rejoin the rotation next week if his bullpen session this weekend goes well, manager Mike Scioscia said. SOURCE: Jeff Fletcher, Orange County Register.
Insight: Weaver suffered a fractured non-throwing elbow on April 7, but that is healed and the right-hander has been building up his arm for a comeback. He won't need a minor league rehab start.
Description: Angels starter Tommy Hanson is working out in extended spring training and is unlikely to start Saturday, according to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times.
Insight: Hanson hasn't started since May 4 due to a death in his family. The right-hander should be able to return next week.
Description: Angels starter Jered Weaver (left elbow) could be activated after his extended spring training appearance Wednesday, manager Mike Scioscia said. SOURCE: Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times
Insight: Weaver suffered a fractured non-throwing elbow on April 7, but that is healed and Weaver has been building up his arm for a comeback.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is a career .311 hitter with five home runs in 74 at-bats versus Seattle right-hander Aaron Harang.
Insight: Pujols and Harang faced each other a lot when they both played in the NL Central division. Hopefully, the favorable matchup will get Pujols' production headed in an upward direction.
Description: Los Angeles lefthander Jason Vargas fired seven shutout frames Sunday against the White Sox.
Insight: Vargas got off to a rocky start this season (0-3, 4.85 ERA in his first five starts) but he's really turned things around in his last four outings. Over that span, he's gone 3-0 with 23 strikeouts and a 2.74 ERA.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols has good numbers in his career against White Sox starter Jake Peavy, who will face the Angels Sunday.
Insight: Pujols has gone 8-for-23 (.348) with two homers and eight RBI against Peavy. Plagued by knee and foot injuries, Pujols is batting just .247 with seven homers, 25 RBI and a 24/19 K/BB this season. However, at this same point last year (190 plate appearances), he was hitting .213 with four home runs and a 23/11 K/BB.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton has been dealing with an undisclosed illness for the last few weeks and missed Saturday's game, but he has a solid matchup Sunday if he can get in the lineup.
Insight: Hamilton entered the game in right field in the seventh inning Saturday and ended up going 1-for-1 with a walk in his two plate appearances. The free-swinger is batting just .214 with five homers and 48 strikeouts in 168 at-bats, but he'll get White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy Sunday. Hamilton is 7-for-15 (.467) with two homers against Peavy.
Description: Angels third baseman Alberto Callaspo went 2-for-3 with a homer and five RBI Saturday in a high-scoring game against the White Sox.
Insight: The teams scored a combined 21 runs and had 29 hits. With little power, little speed and a mediocre batting average, Callaspo once again has been a bad fantasy option, even for AL-only owners.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is not in Saturday's starting lineup. No word on any new injury, but he has been dealing with illness for a while.
Insight: Hamilton (.210, 5 HR, 12 RBI) went 0-for-4 on Friday night, ending a modest four-game hitting streak. mark trumbo will get the start in right field.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is a career 1-for-8 against White Sox left-hander Chris Sale with a pair of strikeouts and a .325 OPS.
Insight: Hamilton (.215, 5 HR, 12 RBI) has a modest four-game hitting streak, but in last week's series against Chicago he went 1-for-12 so the White Sox know how to pitch him. Avoid this matchup.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout has homered in two straight games and three of his last five.
Insight: Trout has turned it on over his last 15 games, batting .368 with six homers, 17 RBI, three steals, 13 runs and an 8/7 K/BB. His overall numbers are still a bit disappointing, but the buy-low window is closing quickly.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) will report to his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake Thursday. He said it will last "several weeks," according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: Madson is still rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and has had several minor setbacks since spring training. Ernesto Frieri will likely hold onto the closer role even after Madson returns, but the right-hander eventually could return to the ninth inning.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is a career 4-for-4 against Royals right-hander Wade Davis with three extra base hits and a 3.050 OPS.
Insight: Hamilton homered on Tuesday night, but has struggled for most of the season. He's been a little better of late, hitting .273 with a pair of homers over the past seven days, but fantasy owners and Angels fans are still waiting for the hitting star from Texas to arrive in Anaheim.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton left Monday night's 11-4 loss to Kansas City in the sixth inning not because of the blowout, but because he was sick and has been for the past 10 days to two weeks, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
Insight: Unfortunately it doesn't explain his hitting this season as he's actually hit for a higher average (.233) and OPS (.748) over the time he was sick than before the illness. The Angels' offense desperately needs Hamilton and Albert Pujols to produce if they want to get back into the pennant race.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) pitched a spotless ninth innings at High-A Inland Empire and could be with the Angels by the end of the week.
Insight: Ernesto Frieri is likely to hold onto the closer role, at least initially, but if Madson pitches as we know he can, he'll likely take over the back end at some point this season.
Description: Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia said shortstop Erick Aybar would be back Tuesday, but fantasy owners should hold off installing him back in lineups one more day.
Insight: Aybar is 2-for-21 (.095) against Tuesday's starter Jeremy Guthrie.
Description: Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos' latest timetable for return from his hamstring injury is the end of May or beginning of June.
Insight: When to return is always a tough question for a speed guy like Bourjos because it's very easy to re-injury himself. Unfortunately, the struggling Angels need him in the lineup. He was batting .313 with six extra base hits and an .827 OPS over his first 22 games.
Description: Angels shortstop Erick Aybar (hamstring) is questionable for Monday's game against Kansas City.
Insight: Aybar (.273, 0 HR, 2 RBI) left last Thursday's game with a right hamstring injury. The team will test the hamstring in the pre-game warmup before making a final determination.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton homered for the second consecutive day, to bring his season total to a still disappointing four.
Insight: Unfortunately for the five-time All-Star, the Angels have completed their series with the hapless Houston Astros pitching staff. We will watch intently to see if he can carry this streak through the series with the Chicago White Sox, a team he has always hit well (.lifetime .346 hitter with a 1.012 OPS).
Description: Angels reliever Scott Downs injured his right foot in Thursday's game and is not expected to be available for Friday's game against the Chicago White Sox.
Insight: Downs isn't much of a fantasy value unless holds are a category. He's 0-2 with a 2.92 ERA and 1.54 WHIP.
Description: Los Angeles shortstop Erick Aybar, who left Thursday's game with tightness in his right hamstring, is doubtful for Friday's game against the Chicago White Sox.
Insight: Aybar was playing in his ninth game since returning from a heel injury. It appears the injury won't force him on the disabled list, but could cost him a couple of days. Brendan Harris should handle shortstop duties and he went 2-for-3 with a home run on Thursday night.
Description: Angels starter Jered Weaver (left elbow) threw his first bullpen session Thursday since suffering a fractured left elbow and said it went well, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.
Insight: Weaver suffered the injury on April 7. He'll need 4-5 bullpen sessions before he can start a minor league rehab assignment.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) could be activated from the DL by next week, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.
Insight: Madson will face hitters in extended spring training games on Thursday and Saturday and in minor league games next Monday and Wednesday. Ernesto Frieri is likely to hold onto the closer role at least initially.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols has rarely been successful against Houston right-hander Bud Norris, going 5-for-27 (.185) without a home run over his career.
Insight: Not many pitchers hold that kind of advantage on this future Hall of Fame first baseman. Add in that Pujols is struggling (.231 with a .714 OPS) and you have a candidate for the night off.
Description: Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Jered Weaver (left elbow) is more than two weeks away from rejoining the rotation, according to MLB.com.
Insight: Weaver suffered a left (non-throwing) elbow fracture on April 7 and is expected to throw his first bullpen session since the injury on Thursday. He'll need to ramp up his innings in extended spring training before he can start a minor league rehab assignment.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) will face live hitters Thursday, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.
Insight: Madson's bullpen Tuesday went well and he could be activated about a week from Thursday. He's unlikely to regain the closer job in his first few appearances.
Description: Angels struggling outfielder Josh Hamilton gets a good matchup on Tuesday. He's 4-for-7 with a home run and a 1.556 OPS against Houston starter Jordan Lyles.
Insight: The five-time All-Star batting just .208 with two homers, nine RBI and an ugly .551 OPS. Other than this favorable matchup, the only good news for Hamilton owners is that April is historically his worst month at the plate with career lows in batting average (.289) and OPS (.861).
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) could begin a rehab assignment this week, according to Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: Madson threw his first bullpen session Saturday since having a minor procedure to remove scar tissue last week. The Angels were waiting to see how he would respond from the session, and it looks like he didn't have any issues. Madson could take the closer role from Ernesto Frieri soon after returning. Frieri has a 2.03 ERA, but he has walked 11 batters in 13 1/3 innings.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is not in Sunday's lineup.
Insight: Pujols has two two-homer games, but has been held homerless in his other 28 games. He's hitting .237 overall and is 9-for-59 (.153) with 12 strikeouts over his last 14 games.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) threw a lengthy bullpen session Saturday morning, according to LATimes.com. It was Madson's first time on a mound in two weeks.
Insight: Madson had to have a minor procedure to remove scar tissue from his right elbow last week after feeling pain following his last bullpen session. The important thing for the Angels will be seeing how he responds Sunday.
Description: Los Angeles DH Mark Trumbo has homered in five of the last six games.
Insight: Trumbo ripped 21 homers in a span of 46 games from May 27 to July 20 last year, so we know what he can do when he's hot. However, fantasy owners shouldn't be fooled by his .295 average when he has 33 strikeouts. He hit .306 with 65 strikeouts in 288 at-bats in the first half last season, but finished the season with a .268 average.
Description: Angels ace Jered Weaver (left elbow) is expected to throw off a mound for the first time next week, according to Angels beat writer Alden Gonzalez.
Insight: Weaver suffered a left (non-throwing) elbow fracture on April 7 and was expected to be out until at least mid-May. The Angels' pitching staff is off to a horrible start yielding 5.10 rpg over the first 29 games. Only Houston (5.73) and Toronto (5.13) are giving up more runs per game.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is not in Saturday's starting lineup. Mark Trumbo will start in right field.
Insight: No injury that we know of. Like Albert Pujols last season, Hamilton is struggling in his first season wearing an Angels uniform. He's batting just .216 with two homers, nine RBI and an ugly .562 OPS.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) had surgery to remove scar tissue from his elbow this week, according to Angels.mlb.com.
Insight: Scar tissue usually tears off while a pitcher is throwing and rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, but that didn't happen for Madson and the tissue had to be manually removed. He has had several setbacks in his recovery, including feeling tightness after a simulated game two weeks ago. We'd be surprised if he returns before May ends.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is 5-for-11 versus Oakland starter Tommy Milone with a homer and a 1.235 OPS.
Insight: Like Albert Pujols last season, Hamilton is struggling in his first season wearing an Angels uniform. He's batting just .204 with two homers, nine RBI and an ugly .548 OPS. This has been a favorable matchup for Hamilton and might help get him started in the right direction.
Description: Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is a career .636 hitter (7-for-11) with six doubles and a 1.818 OPS against Oakland left-hander Tommy Milone.
Insight: He's off to another slow start this season, thought better than 2012 when he hit just .217 with no home runs in the month of April. this time he's batting .252 with four homers and 17 RBI. Perhaps this matchup will get things going.
Description: Los Angeles shortstop Erick Aybar (heel) has been activated from the disabled list.
Insight: Aybar hasn't played since April 9 due to a bruised left heel. he was hitting .321 at the time. he might take over the leadoff spot for Peter Bourjos, who was placed on the disabled list Tuesday morning.
Description: Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos will be placed on the 15-day disabled list after straining his left hamstring in Monday night's game with Oakland.
Insight: He had raised his average from .220 to .313 and was producing solid fantasy numbers as the Angels leadoff hitter.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is hitless in 10 career at-bats versus Oakland starter Jarrod Parker with seven strikeouts.
Insight: Hamilton struggled in Monday's 19-inning marathon going 0-for-8 so this would be an excellent opportunity to rest the slugger. He's batting .202 this season with two home runs and nine RBI. Avoid this matchup.
Description: Angels starter Jason Vargas tossed a complete game Sunday in a 2-0 loss to his former team the Seattle Mariners.
Insight: Behind a 2.74 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP at Safeco Field, Vargas posted a 3.85 ERA and 1.18 WHIP overall last year for the Mariners. He was back at Safeco Field on Sunday and had his best start of the season. However, his ERA is still in the high-fours.
Description: Angels righthander Tommy Hanson has returned from bereavement leave and will get the start on Monday against the hard-hitting Oakland A's (5.16 rpg).
Insight: Hanson hasn't been sharp this season despite a 2-1 record. He owns a 4.24 ERA and 1.53 WHIP with just eight strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. It might be a good idea to let him sit on your bench for the first start back.
Description: Phillies infielder Kevin Frandsen will get a start at first base on Sunday against Jonathan Niese and the Mets.
Insight: Ryan Howard has been hitting the ball well, but is 1-for-15 lifetime against Niese. Frandsen only has 17 at-bats this season, but is batting .294 with four runs scored and four RBI.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout is 2-for-12 (.167), both singles, against Seattle right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma.
Insight: Trout has a hit in the first three games of the series, but hasn't posted a multi-hit game since last Sunday and is averaging just .274 with a .785 OPS. It's not yet time to talk about a "sophomore jinx" but fantasy owners who selected him in the top-three overall on Draft Day aren't happy.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is a career .167 hitter against Seattle starter Felix Hernandez with an ugly .611 OPS which includes 16 strikeouts in 48 at-bats.
Insight: Hamilton has a modest five-game hitting streak, but hasn't homered since April 14 and has only taken Hernandez deep once in his career.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout is 10-for-24 (.417) with a home run and eight RBI against Seattle's ace right-hander Felix Hernandez.
Insight: Trout is just 2-for-7 in the first two games of the series with the Mariners and hitless in the three games before that, but this favorable matchup to too good to resist.
Description: Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is a career .315 hitter (23-for-73) with five homers against Seattle starter Aaron Harang.
Insight: Plantar fasciitis had limited the slugger to DH duty for the past week and a half, but he played first base on Thursday and this could be a sign that his foot is starting to feel better.
Description: Los Angeles first baseman Albert Pujols is going to do something he hasn't done in a while Thursday night against Seattle. He's actually going to start at first base.
Insight: Plantar fasciitis has limited the slugger to DH duty for the past week and a half. This could be a sign that his foot is starting to feel better though that would contradict what Pujols (.267, 2 HR, 11 RBI) said earlier in the week.
Description: Los Angeles shortstop Erick Aybar (heel) will begin playing in extended spring training games Thursday and could be activated from the DL this weekend. SOURCE: Jeff Fletcher, Orange County Register
Insight: Aybar hasn't played since April 9 due to a bruised left heel. Andrew Romine and Brendan Harris have been splitting time at shortstop in Aybar's absence.
Description: Los Angeles DH Mark Trumbo is a career .167 hitter versus Texas starter Yu Darvish with six strikeouts and a .472 OPS.
Insight: Trumbo is rolling right now. He's had five multi-hit games in his last seven outings to raise his average from .279 to .316. However, he's not hitting the long ball and that isn't likely to turn around against Darvish. Sit him.
Description: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick, who hit a pair of homers on Tuesday night, is likely to come back to reality on Wednesday facing Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish. He's hitless in 12 career at-bats versus Darvish with five strikeouts.
Insight: Kendrick, a perennial fantasy disappointment, is off to a solid start batting .297 with three homers, 14 RBI, a couple of stolen bases and an .810 OPS. He's on a modest five-game hitting streak. The Wednesday matchup, however, is an unfavorable one.
Description: Los Angeles shortstop Erick Aybar (heel) will not make his return to action Thursday. SOURCE: Jeff Fletcher, Orange County Register
Insight: Aybar was hoping to return when he is first eligible but he'll play some extended spring training games first. Andrew Romine (.077, 0 HR, 1 RBI) and Brendan Harris (.308, 1 HR, 4 RBI) have been splitting time at shortstop in Aybar's absence.
Description: Los Angeles shortstop Erick Aybar is expected to make his return from a heel injury Thursday against Seattle. SOURCE: Jeff Fletcher, Orange County Register
Insight: That will be the first day he is eligible to come off the disabled list. Andrew Romine (.077, 0 HR, 1 RBI) and Brendan Harris (.308, 1 HR, 4 RBI) have been splitting time at shortstop in Aybar's absence.
Description: Alden Gonzalez from MLB.com is reporting that Angels righthander Tommy Hanson has been placed on the bereavement list.
Insight: That means someone else will have to fill in for him Wednesday against Texas. Jerome Williams (1-0, 3.18 ERA) is the most likely candidate to make a spot start.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout is 6-for-17 (.353) with a pair of homers against Rangers left-hander Derek Holland.
Insight: Trout has raised his average 80 points over the past seven games, to .307, and those fantasy owners who were worried about his slow start are smiling. The hot hitter is a must-start in this favorable matchup.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is a career .400 hitter versus Texas starter Derek Holland with a pair of homers and a 1.371 OPS.
Insight: Pujols is dealing with a painful bout of plantar fasciitis and will be relegated to DH for an extended period of time. His bat still works, however, as he's on a five-game hitting streak over that span (8-for-22). Play him while you can as he could end up being on the disabled list if his foot doesn't improve soon.
Description: Los Angeles DH Mark Trumbo ended Sunday's marathon against the Tigers by hammering a 13th inning walkoff homer.
Insight: Trumbo is rolling right now. He's had five multi-hit games in his last seven outings to raise his average from .279 to .329. The 27-year-old is on pace for 19 HR and 86 RBI this season.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is dealing with a painful bout of plantar fasciitis and will be relegated to DH for an extended period of time. SOURCE: LATimes.com
Insight: Pujols started at DH for the fourth straight game Sunday. "I'm dying," Pujols said. "It's hurting real bad." Pujols will receive treatment and continue to play until he cannot tolerate the discomfort. The injury hasn't hurt his production, as he came into Sunday's game batting .322 with two homers, 11 RBIs and a .939 OPS.
Description: Angels starter Garrett Richards tossed seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball Saturday against the Tigers. He struck out eight and didn't walk a batter.
Insight: The hard-throwing Richards hasn't been a big strikeout pitcher since moving up from Class A, and he has a BB/9 over four since his first year at Triple-A in 2012. He'll remain in the rotation as long as Jered Weaver is out, but we'll need to see him do this again before we endorse him in fantasy leagues.
Description: Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos is 6-for-8 with four RBIs and three runs over his last two games.
Insight: He has raised his average from .220 to .306 in the process. Bourjos has hit leadoff over the past six games, a spot that is great for his fantasy value.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout went 2-for-5 with a grand slam Saturday against the Tigers.
Insight: Trout had a .227 average on April 12 but he has collected 11 hits, including four doubles and two homers, 10 RBIs and seven runs in his last six games. The only thing we haven't seen yet is the stolen bases -- he was successful on his one attempt this year.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) felt soreness after throwing a simulated game Friday, according to Ken Rosenthal.
Insight: Madson was targeting the end of this month for a return to action from Tommy John surgery, but this will set him back at least a few weeks. Ernesto Frieri should be owned in all leagues.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton has faced Detroit starter Rick Porcello 10 times in his career and has hit a pair of homers with seven RBI.
Insight: After hitting a pair of homers over the weekend, Hamilton has gone 1-for-13 over his last three games, but this matchup could get him going again.
Description: The Angels have finally gone ahead and placed third baseman Alberto Callaspo on the DL.
Insight: Callaspo has been battling calf tightness for over a week so the move will be retroactive to April 11th. He'll be eligible to return on the 26th, though it's unclear if that's a realistic timetable.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton has faced Detroit starter Anibal Sanchez six times in his career and he's produced four hits, all singles and a pair of walks.
Insight: After hitting a pair of homers over the weekend, Hamilton went 0-for-8 in two games against Minnesota, but this matchup could get him going again.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) expects to be activated by the end of the month. SOURCE: Alden Gonzalez, MLB.com
Insight: Madson threw off flat ground and then moved to the bullpen on Tuesday. He said today was the "closest I've felt to normal." The right-hander will face hitters in a few days. Ernesto Frieri has two saves this season, but Madson is expected to be the closer when he returns.
Description: Third baseman Alberto Callaspo won't appear in the Angels' series against the Twins. He's still feeling tightness in his right calf. SOURCE: Alden Gonzalez, MLB.com
Insight: It's likely that Callaspo will be re-evaluated later in the week. At that point, the team will decide whether or not a DL stint is necessary. He's hitting .273 with one homer and three RBI in nine games this season.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout went 2-for-3 with a solo homer, a walk and three runs scored Sunday against the Astros.
Insight: Trout is expected to contribute prolific numbers in runs, steals and homers, but he had just five runs, one steal, zero homers and one RBI in his first 11 games this season. Look for the superstar to break out soon.
Description: Angels lefty C.J. Wilson grabbed win No. 1 with six innings of one-run ball Sunday against the Astros.
Insight: Wilson has a 1.27 K/BB in 18 innings this year. He's going to walk 80-90 batters per 200 innings, so he's going to have to work well with runners on base. The lefty had a strand rate of 72.4 percent in 2010 and 73.6 percent in 2011, but just 70 percent in his first season with the Angels.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols delivered a walk-off double Saturday against Houston.
Insight: The victory was just L.A.'s third of the season which means that the Angels are dangerously behind schedule right now. While Pujols may have sunk Los Angeles with his tepid start in 2012, that hasn't happened in 2013. He's batting a very respectable .324 and is on pace to reach 100 RBI for the 12th time in his career.
Description: Angels third baseman Alberto Callaspo (calf) is not in Friday's lineup, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. He's dealing with tightness in his right calf.
Insight: Callaspo is hitting .273 with one home run and three runs in 33 at-bats this season. He has little power, little speed and little fantasy value.
Description: Los Angeles first baseman Albert Pujols is a career .325 hitter, but against Houston right-hander Bud Norris has just five hits in 26 at-bats (.192).
Insight: In his second American League season, Pujols is off to a much faster start than last year. He's batting .300 with a 1.063 OPS and being patient with nine walks. After last season, it feels like Pujols is back in the groove and a .320 batting average, 40-HR, 100-RBI season is once again a reasonable expectation.
Description: According to MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez, X-rays on Los Angeles shortstop Erick Aybar's left heel didn't show any structural damage.
Insight: That's a good sign for fantasy owners. Aybar (.321 in seven games) will carry the day-to-day distinction for now though the Angels are hopeful he'll be able to avoid a stint on the disabled list. Brendan Harris and Andrew Romine should see roughly equal playing time at shortstop while Aybar is out.
Description: Los Angeles first baseman Albert Pujols hit just .071 in his first four games of the season but since then, he's gone 8-for-12 to raise his average to a very respectable .346.
Insight: Four of those eight hits came in a loss to Oakland on Wednesday night. The 33-year-old had knee surgery in the offseason and the plantar fasciitis in his foot hasn't fully healed yet but a banged up Pujols is still better than most other hitters in MLB. Just like he has been for his entire big league career, Pujols continues to be a fantasy must-start.
Description: Angels shortstop Erick Aybar said his left heel hurts more today than yesterday. According to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, the injury "doesn't look good."
Insight: Aybar left Tuesday's game with a left heel contusion and is day-to-day. He's awaiting the results of his MRI and X-rays. Brendan Harris will start at shortstop Wednesday.
Description: Angels shortstop Erick Aybar is not in Wednesday's lineup due to a heel injury, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.
Insight: Aybar left Tuesday's game with a left heel contusion and is day-to-day. Brendan Harris will get the start at shortstop. Aybar is off to a 9-for-28 (.321) start with two doubles and four runs.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols has faced Oakland youngster Tommy Milone eight times and has produced four extra base hits (all doubles) and a 1.500 OPS.
Insight: Pujols started the 2013 season going 1-for-14, but is batting .500 over his last three games and showing good patience with six walks. It's looks like he's starting to heat up a lot sooner than last year when it took him until game No. 28 to hit his first homer and he was batting below .200 until game No. 36.
Description: Garrett Richards will replace Jered Weaver in the Angels' rotation, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN. Weaver suffered a fracture in his left elbow Sunday and will miss 4-6 weeks.
Insight: Richards made nine starts last season and posted a 3-2 record, 4.42 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 1.26 K/BB. He can be ignored for now in most leagues.
Description: Angels ace Jered Weaver was placed on the 15-disabled list with a radial head fracture to his left elbow which will require 4-to-6 weeks to heal, according to Ken Rosenthal.
Insight: Weaver was rocked on Sunday, giving up five runs on seven hits, including a pair of homers. The injury happened in the sixth inning as he was diving out of the way of a line drive by Mitch Moreland. He's looking at a mid-May return. Garrett Richards or Jerome Williams are the leading candidates to get an opportunity to start.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is hitless in eight at-bats versus Oakland hurler Jarrod Parker and even struggles to put the ball in play with six strikeouts.
Insight: Hamilton's batting average is .160 through the first six games. He's struck out 10 times. It's certainly not the start fantasy owners were hoping for, but there's plenty of time for Hamilton to turn things around.
Description: Angels DH Mark Trumbo has an ugly history versus Oakland youngster Jarrod Parker, going hitless in eight at-bats including five strikeouts.
Insight: Trumbo had a couple of two-hit games over the weekend to bring his average to .280 with a homer and five RBI. Avoid this matchup.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols struggled last season against Oakland starter Jarrod Parker going just 2-for-12 (.167) with no homers and zero RBI.
Insight: Pujols started the season going 1-for-14, but was 3-for-5 with two homers and five walks over the weekend as he showed much more patience at the plate. This isn't a great matchup for Pujols, but when he's hot it doesn't matter who is on the mound.
Description: Angels DH Mark Trumbo was lost against Rangers righty Yu Darvish during Darvish's rookie season. He went 1-for-15 (.067) with five strikeouts against him.
Insight: Trumbo hit his first home run Saturday but he didn't perform well against Darvish last season and Darvish is coming off a near-perfect game against the Astros.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols snapped out of his funk in a big way Saturday against Texas, hitting two homers and reaching base all five times at the plate.
Insight: Pujols came in 1-for-14 with a double and two RBIs. He walked three times Saturday in addition to the two round-trippers. Pujols didn't hit his first homer until game No. 28 last season, and it took him 37 games to get two.
Description: Maybe Josh Hamilton should have stayed in Texas. His struggles continued Friday in a 3-2 loss to his former team.
Insight: Hamilton's batting average dropped to .063 as the Angels fell to 1-3 on the year. He's struck out eight times in 16 at bats and he still doesn't have an extra base hit. It's certainly not the start fantasy owners were hoping for but keep in mind, Albert Pujols was just as bad in his first month with the Angels a season ago. There's plenty of time for Hamilton to turn things around.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout is a career .357 hitter with a pair of long balls against Texas starter Derek Holland.
Insight: Trout is batting .267 after the opening series without a homer or stolen base and five strikeouts. You can already hear some fantasy owners already starting to panic. Don't you be one of them.
Description: Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton went 1-for-12 with six strikeouts against the Reds in the first series of the season.
Insight: Hamilton did have a two-run single Thursday but he struck out in his other three at-bats. Hamilton and Albert Pujols (1-11) should get it going soon.
Description: Angels shortstop Erick Aybar went 0-for-6 on Opening Day but he has followed with five hits in his last eight at-bats.
Insight: Aybar went 3-for-4 with a double and a run Thursday against the Reds. He is batting in a prime spot in the order, between Mike Trout and Albert Pujols.
Description: Los Angeles Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) threw 15 pitches off a mound Wednesday afternoon. SOURCE: Alden Gonzalez, MLB.com
Insight: That's a step back from last week, when he threw 40 pitches, but the team said it is more precautionary than anything else after Madson felt elbow tightness from his last session.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is just a career .269 hitter (7-for-26) versus Reds' starter Johnny Cueto, without a home run, and a .653 OPS.
Insight: Pujols has been dealing with a sore knee and plantar fasciitis in his left foot, but still managed to hit .333 this spring. He should get off to a much better start than last season when it took him until the 28th game to hit his first homer, but it is unlikely to happen on Opening Day.
Description: It's official, the New York Yankees acquired outfielder Vernon Wells from the Los Angeles Angels.
Insight: Wells (.230, 11 HR, 29 RBI in 2012) will immediately have a chance to be an everyday outfielder for the Yankees while Curtis Granderson is out with a broken forearm. His ability to hit the long ball is a much-needed asset for New York while Granderson, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez are sidelined. He wasn't going to have any value in Anaheim's crowded outfield so this is a big opportunity for Wells.
Description: Angels outfielder Vernon Wells is on the verge of being traded to the New York Yankees.
Insight: Mark DiGiovanna from the L.A. Times reported that Wells has already waived his no-trade clause. The deal should become official soon. Wells (.230, 11 HR, 29 RBI in 2012) will have a chance to be an everyday outfielder for the Yankees while Curtis Granderson is out with a broken forearm. He wouldn't have had much fantasy value in Anaheim's crowded outfield this season (Mike Trout, Peter Bourjos and Josh Hamilton).
Description: Los Angeles Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session on Thursday, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Republic.
Insight: Madson had not thrown in the past week after experiencing tightness in his surgically-repaired elbow. If he has no setbacks, he'll throw another one Sunday. Ernesto Frieri is the favorite to open the season as the Angels' closer.
Description: Angels starter Tommy Hanson has been diagnosed with right triceps tightness, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports. However, Hanson told reporters that his triceps is "fine."
Insight: Hanson left early from Wednesday's spring start but says the team is just "taking the cautious route." The right-hander was traded from Atlanta for Jordan Walden this offseason after a disappointing 2012 campaign -- 4.48 ERA, 1.45 WHIP.
Description: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick is leading the majors with a .512 average this spring. He has 21 hits in 41 at-bats.
Insight: Kendrick has been a perennial fantasy disappointment and we can't expect anything more than his usual .285 average, 10 homers and 14 steals this season unless he gets an extended look at the No. 2 hitter in front of Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton.
Description: Angels manager Mike Scioscia said that first baseman Albert Pujols' knee is responding well but he also is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.
Insight: Pujols played first base for the first time this spring on Tuesday and said after the game that he felt "great." While the plantar fasciitis is another concern for Pujols owners, the three-time MVP appears to be recovering well from offseason knee surgery.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols (knee) played first base Tuesday for the first time this spring and says he felt "great, just like I was expecting it to be." SOURCE: Jeff Fletcher, Orange County Register.
Insight: The three-time MVP is still recovering from offseason knee surgery and had been serving as the DH in March. However, he has been performing well at the plate and should be fine for Opening Day.
Description: With closer Ryan Madson still struggling to get healthy after Tommy John surgery, Angels reliever Ernesto Frieri could steal the closer role for most of 2013 if he gets off to a good start.
Insight: Madson does not figure to be ready in April and Frieri could win the job if he starts off well. Frieri has not pitched well in spring training (.844 ERA, 1.69 WHIP) so this situation is still fluid.
Description: Los Angeles Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) continues to have trouble with the elbow, experiencing tightness, last Thursday.
Insight: Madson is slowly returning from Tommy John surgery last year and feeling soreness is certainly to be expected. At this point, however, fantasy owners should not expect Madson to step right in and be the Angels closer. If Ernesto Frieri handles the closing duties well, he could steal the job away from Madson for most of 2013.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols (knee) could play first base for the first time this spring on Tuesday, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.
Insight: The three-time MVP is still recovering from offseason knee surgery and has been serving as the DH in March. He is batting .353 with a couple of homers and four RBIs in six Cactus League games and hasn't needed a courtesy runner over the last three.
Description: Angels ace Jered Weaver got destroyed Saturday in an exhibition start against Oakland (2 IP, 6 H, 8 ER).
Insight: Weaver, who allowed three homers on Saturday, admitted that he might be suffering from a dead arm. That's a pretty common injury for pitchers in spring training and we're guessing Weaver will be fine by Opening Day.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols "wobbled as he ran Wednesday," according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com.
Insight: The three-time MVP is still recovering from offseason knee surgery. Wednesday was his fourth game overall since returning to action but his first without the benefit of a courtesy runner. "I’m fine, doing good, progressing, sticking with the game plan," said Pujols. The Angels still expect to have Pujols for Opening Day.
Description: Los Angeles Angels reliever Ryan Madson (elbow) has thrown bullpen sessions Monday and Wednesday. They were his first since being shut down several weeks ago. SOURCE: Alden Gonzalez, MLB.com
Insight: Madson is slowly building his elbow back up after having Tommy John surgery last year and feeling soreness last month. He's expected to miss the first few weeks of the season while Ernesto Frieri handles closing duties.
Description: Angels' newly acquired outfielder Josh Hamilton has been dealing with a sore shoulder which has forced him into a reduced role to date, but is expected to return to the outfield on Tuesday, according to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register.
Insight: Hamilton has just seven at-bats this spring, though he does have three hits (.429) and a home run. It's still early, so this shouldn't be a problem, but continue to monitor his health as that's the No. 1 issue for fantasy owners when drafting the slugger.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols promised that he'll be ready for Opening Day. SOURCE: MLBlogs.com
Insight: The three-time MVP is still recovering from offseason knee surgery. The Angels open the regular season at Cincinnati on April 1st. That gives Pujols 30 days to get healthy.
Description: Angels outfielder Vernon Wells says he'll retire when his contract expires after the 2014 season.
Insight: Wells (.230, 11 HR, 29 RBI in 2012) projects to be a backup this season and will probably only have value if one of the Angels' regulars gets hurt. The 34-year-old has 259 homers in 1,601 career games.
Description: Los Angeles Angels reliever Ryan Madson threw off the mound on Monday.
Insight: The right-hander missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery but he is expected to serve as the Angels' closer in 2013. However, fantasy owners who select Madson must handcuff Ernesto Frieri, as no one is sure Madson will be ready for Opening Day.
Description: Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher says it's unlikely that reliever Ryan Madson will be ready for Opening Day, according to an Orange County Register report.
Insight: Madson is still one or two weeks from getting on a mound. The right-hander missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery but he is expected to serve as the Angels' closer in 2013. However, fantasy owners who select Madson must handcuff Ernesto Frieri.
Description: Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols, who had arthroscopic surgery on his knee last October, participated in fielding drills, but still isn't doing any running, according to Angels beat writer Alden Gonzalez.
Insight: Fantasy owners just want him ready for the major league season and hope he gets back to his normal production level. His 2012 numbers weren't bad for most mortals (.285, 85 runs, 30 HR, 105 RBI, 0.859 OPS), but fantasy owners have gotten used to much more from this slugger.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson threw on flat ground Monday after the latest MRI came back clean, according to LA Times beat writer Mike DiGiovanna.
Insight: Madson is still one or two weeks from getting on a mound. The right-hander missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery but he is expected to serve as the Angels' closer in 2013. However, fantasy owners who select Madson should handcuff Ernesto Frieri.
Description: Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports that center fielder Mike Trout has bulked up to 240 pounds.
Insight: That's a 10-to-15 pound increase from Trout's playing weight last season. Hopefully the added weight won't affect Trout on the basepaths. He led the major leagues with 49 steals in 2012.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson's MRI came back clean. He has been experiencing soreness in his pitching elbow. Madson will be re-evaluated in a week to see if he can start a throwing program. SOURCE: Alden Gonzalez, MLB.com
Insight: Madson had the MRI to determine if it was just typical soreness or something more in his elbow. The right-hander missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery but he is expected to serve as the Angels' closer in 2013. Fantasy owners should be sure to grab Ernesto Frieri in drafts as a handcuff since Madson's health is no sure thing.
Description: Angels reliever Ryan Madson will undergo an MRI on his right elbow on Tuesday evening to make sure his elbow soreness isn't more than that. SOURCE: Alden Gonzalez, MLB.com
Insight: If Madson's MRI comes back clean, he will be cleared to throw again. The right-hander missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery but he is expected to serve as the Angels' closer in 2013. Fantasy owners should be sure to grab Ernesto Frieri in drafts as a handcuff since Madson's health is no sure thing.
Description: Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols, who had arthroscopic surgery on his knee last October, has not yet been cleared to play in the World Baseball Classic, according to an Orange County Register report.
Insight: Pujols wanted to be ready to represent his country in the WBC. Fantasy owners just want him ready for the major league season and hope he gets back to his normal production level. His 2012 numbers weren't bad for most mortals (.285, 85 runs, 30 HR, 105 RBI, 0.859 OPS), but fantasy owners have gotten used to much more from this slugger.
Description: The Angels avoided arbitration with left-hander Jason Vargas Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $8.5 million contract.
Insight: Vargas was acquired from the Mariners in a swap for Kendrys Morales last month. The lefty is coming off a career year, going 14-11 with a 3.85 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 217 1/3 innings. He will likely be the Angels' fourth starter behind Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson and Tommy Hanson.
Description: The Angels avoided arbitration with Jerome Williams by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $2 million.
Insight: Williams went 6-8 with a 4.58 ERA last season as a starter and long reliever. He's unlikely to get anywhere near the rotation this season after the team acquired Tommy Hanson, Jason Vargas and Joe Blanton this offseason.
Description: The Yankees could be looking to acquire Angels outfielder Vernon Wells this offseason according to Fox's Ken Rosenthal.
Insight: Vernon Wells and Peter Bourjos have become expendable now that the team has signed Josh Hamilton. Wells slugged his way to a .230 batting average during his injury-riddled 2012 season.
Description: ESPN's Buster Olney says the Angels aren't looking to trade outfielder Mark Trumbo despite the team's signing of Josh Hamilton.
Insight: The Angels' lineup wouldn't be nearly as intimidating without Trumbo (.268, 32 HR, 95 RBI) hitting in the middle of the order. It seems like Peter Bourjos is the most likely Los Angeles outfielder to be traded this offseason. Bourjos had a quiet season (.220, 3 HR, 19 RBI in 168 at bats) but scouts like his speed and believe he'll be a solid contributor if given the chance to play on a daily basis.
Description: ESPN reports that Josh Hamilton has agreed to a five-year, $125 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
Insight: Whoa. The Angels have always had a flair for the dramatic but even for them this is stunning. On paper, a lineup of Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo, Hamilton and Albert Pujols seems almost unbeatable. Now that Hamilton is on board, the Angels could look to flip Peter Bourjos for starting pitching help. Disgruntled Mets starter R.A. Dickey might be a possibility.
Description: Starting pitcher Joe Blanton and the Angels have agreed to terms on a two-year, $15 million contract according to Jon Heyman from CBS Sports.
Insight: It looks like the Angels are trying to move on from Zack Greinke. The Blanton signing comes on the heels of a trade for righthander Tommy Hanson (the Angels gave Atlanta reliever Jordan Walden in exchange). With Ervin Santana in Kansas City and Dan Haren pitching for the Nationals now, the Los Angeles starting rotation will have a very different look in 2013.
Description: The Braves have traded starter Tommy Hanson to the Angels for reliever Jordan Walden.
Insight: Both players experienced a sharp decline in 2012, with Hanson posting a 4.48 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 174 2/3 innings and Walden losing his closer role after blowing a save in late April. Still, it's a little surprising to see Atlanta give up on Hanson for a reliever when its bullpen is already a strength.
Description: ESPN's Jayson Stark says the Angels are looking to trade reliever Jordan Walden.
Insight: With Ryan Madson locked in as the closer and Ernesto Frieri as the setup man, Walden would appear to be the odd man out in the Los Angeles bullpen. Walden was inconsistent last season (3.46 ERA in 45 appearances) but he's still young (25) and has an electric fastball. We're guessing the Angels will receive plenty of calls about him during the offseason.
Description: Reliever Ryan Madson has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
Insight: The deal is worth $3.5 million, five million less than the deal he inked a year ago to play for the Reds, which he never ended up doing (Tommy John surgery). Madson is expected to become the team's closer, which severely hinders any fantasy value that Ernesto Frieri (23 saves in 2012) may have once had.
Description: Dan Haren's bad hip could prevent him from receiving a long-term deal this offseason.
Insight: ESPN's Buster Olney reported the injury. Perhaps this is why Haren's trade to the Cubs fell through earlier in the month. The Padres have shown the most interest in Haren this offseason and we're guessing that's where he'll eventually end up.
Description: Michael Silverman from the Boston Herald believes the Dodgers could be the favorites to land starting pitcher Zack Greinke this offseason.
Insight: Silverman heard this from an "industry insider." The Dodgers might have the deepest pockets in baseball right now and Magic Johnson hasn't shied away from taking on big contracts during his short tenure as team owner. The Angels and Rangers remain in the mix for Greinke, though neither would be able to offer as much money as the Dodgers.
Description: The Tigers have been the "most aggressive pursuer" of free agent outfielder Torii Hunter according to Mark Saxon from ESPN Los Angeles.
Insight: Austin Jackson is locked in at center field but Detroit's other two outfield positions could be up for grabs. Hunter is a .262 lifetime hitter at the Tigers' home stadium, Comerica Park.
Description: Los Angeles center fielder Mike Trout was named American League Rookie of the Year on Monday.
Insight: Trout burst onto the scene in 2012 with a season for the ages, contributing 30 HR and 49 SB in 139 games played. He was the AL's first unanimous winner since Evan Longoria in 2008. Oakland outfielder Yoenis Cespedes finished second in the voting just ahead of Texas righthander Yu Darvish.
Description: Ken Rosenthal from Fox Sports spoke to a major league executive who believes righthander Dan Haren will sign with the Padres this offseason.
Insight: Haren was raised in Southern California so playing in San Diego would seem like a good fit for the veteran. He's 2-2 with a 3.49 ERA in nine career appearances at Petco Park.
Description: Bob Nightengale from USA Today reports that the Dodgers are interested in signing free agent outfielder Torii Hunter this offseason.
Insight: An interesting development considering the Dodgers already have three starting outfielders in place for next season (Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp). Presumably, one of those three would be traded if the team signed Hunter.
Description: Free agent starting pitcher Zack Greinke is seeking a deal worth $150 million over six seasons according to John Perrotto from Baseball Prospectus.
Insight: Greinke is a decent pitcher but $150 million for a player who has been to just one All-Star game in nine major league seasons? That's ridiculous.
Description: The Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox are interested in adding free agent outfielder Torii Hunter this offseason.
Insight: Hunter played well for the Angels last season (.313, 16 HR, 92 RBI) and is close friends with David Ortiz. It might be nice to have another veteran leader in the clubhouse but it certainly wouldn't help the rebuilding Red Sox get any younger (Hunter turns 38 in July).
Description: The Angels have declined starter Dan Haren's $15.5 million option for 2013.
Insight: Haren was nearly traded to the Chicago Cubs for Carlos Marmol Friday night but the deal fell through at the 11th hour and the Angels were forced to make a decision on the 2013 option prior to the midnight deadline.
Description: The reported trade of Carlos Marmol for Dan Haren has fallen apart, according to the Associated Press.
Insight: Haren was reportedly traded to the Chicago Cubs for Marmol, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, but FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal said the Cubs pulled the deal off the table. The Angels will likely keep shopping Haren but they were trying to beat the midnight deadline to decide on his $15.5 million team option for 2013 and they are running out of time.
Description: Angels outfielder Vernon Wells is on the trading block according to Fox baseball insider Ken Rosenthal.
Insight: There's almost no way Los Angeles could deal Wells without agreeing to pay for at least part of the $42 million left on his current contract. The Angels are also trying to trade starting pitcher Dan Haren.
Description: The Red Sox are interested in acquiring Angels starter Dan Haren according to the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo.
Insight: Another washed up Anaheim starter who makes too much money? This probably wouldn't be the best way for general manager Ben Cherington to utilize Boston's newly found financial flexibility, unless it rids the team of John Lackey or any other bad contracts the Red Sox still have.
Description: The Angels are making free agent starting pitcher Zack Greinke their top priority this offseason.
Insight: T.R. Sullivan from MLB.com reports that Texas will also make a strong push for the 29-year-old righthander. Greinke went 15-5 with a 3.48 ERA in 34 starts for the Brewers and Angels during the 2012 season.
Description: The Yankees have expressed interest in signing veteran outfielder Torii Hunter according to Mark Feinsand from the New York Daily News.
Insight: Hunter enjoyed a renaissance year for the Angels in 2012, hitting .313 with 16 HR and 92 RBI. If New York does sign Hunter, they probably won't be able to bring back up Nick Swisher or Ichiro Suzuki.
Description: The Angels will attempt to deal starting pitcher Dan Haren within the next two days according to ESPN's Jim Bowden.
Insight: Los Angeles has until Friday to decide whether or not to pick up Haren's option for next season but it seems like they'd rather just trade him. By cleaning house (Los Angeles dealt starter Ervin Santana earlier in the day) the Angels seem to be putting themselves in a good position to land a top-flight free agent like Zack Greinke or Kyle Lohse.
Description: Los Angeles Angels starter C.J. Wilson had surgery to remove bone spurs from his left elbow and all went well according to the pitcher. Recovery time is 4-6 weeks, so he should be ready for spring training
Insight: Wilson was 13-10 with a 3.83 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. All three were significantly lower than in 2011. He was 9-5 with a 2.43 ERA before the break and just 4-5 with a 5.54 ERA after it, so the elbow may have been hurting more than he let on.
Description: Los Angeles first baseman Albert Pujols had arthroscopic surgery on his knee last week in St. Louis according to the St. Louis Post-Dispactch.
Insight: Pujols should be fine for Opening Day. Despite having an "off year," the 9-time All-Star was still able to reach the 100-RBI plateau for the 11th time in his career during the 2012 campaign.
Description: Chris Iannetta and the Angels have agreed to terms on a new three-year $15.5 million contract extension.
Insight: Ianetta's numbers this season were pretty pedestrian (.240, 9 HR, 26 RBI) but keep in mind he missed almost half the season with a broken wrist. Ianetta won't hit for a high average but he could reach 15 homers next year if he stays healthy.
Description: Los Angeles righthander Jered Weaver finished the year tied with Clayton Kershaw for the lowest WHIP in baseball at 1.02. He also had 20 wins, tying him with David Price for the most in the American League.
Insight: Weaver (20-5, 2.81 ERA) has a strong case for the Cy Young award, though it would have been even stronger if the Angels had qualified for the postseason. The highlight of Weaver's season came back on May 2 when he recorded his first career no-hitter in a 9-0 win over the Twins.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout didn't win the batting title but he was able to capture the American League's stolen base crown, leading the majors with 49 thefts in 54 attempts.
Insight: Keep in mind Trout (.326, 30 HR, 83 RBI) spent the first month of the season in Triple-A, so this is really a pretty mind-blowing accomplishment. Who knows how many bases Trout could have swiped with an extra 23 games worth of opportunities. Toronto's Rajai Davis finished second in the majors with 46 steals in 59 tries.
Description: Los Angeles center fielder Mike Trout did his best to deny Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera the batting title, collecting two hits in three at bats Wednesday versus the Angels. Unfortunately, he fell just short, losing the batting title to Cabrera by four percentage points.
Insight: Trout contributed arguably the most impressive rookie season we've ever seen in 2012, finishing the year with 30 homers, 129 runs, 49 steals, a .326 average and an insane .963 OPS. He could be the No. 1 overall pick on fantasy draft day next season.
Description: Los Angeles starter C.J. Wilson will have surgery this offseason to remove bone spurs from his left elbow.
Insight: Wilson (13-10, 3.83 ERA) slumped in the second half, producing a 5.54 ERA in 16 starts after going 9-5 with a 2.43 clip before the All-Star game. He should be fully recovered by the time Spring Training starts up again in February.
Description: Angels dynamic rookie outfielder Mike Trout is hitless in eight at-bats against Seattle starter Blake Beavan.
Insight: Trout, the first rookie in major league history to record 30 homers and 40 stolen bases in one season, is also fighting for the batting title with Miguel Cabrera, but this matchup likely won't help him. He's behind Cabrera's .331 batting average by seven points heading into the final day of the season.
Description: Angels outfielder Mike Trout is just 1-for-9 (.111) against Seattle starter Hisashi Iwakuma.
Insight: Trout, the first rookie in major league history to record 30 homers and 40 stolen bases in one season, is also fighting for the batting title with Miguel Cabrera, but this matchup likely won't help him. He's behind Cabrera's .329 batting average by four points heading into Tuesday's action.
Description: Los Angeles outfielder Torii Hunter racked up four hits Sunday in a 5-4 victory against Texas.
Insight: Hunter's two-run double in the top of the ninth put the Angels ahead for good and it upped his season average to a very respectable .310. That average is good for seventh-best in the American League.
Description: With his solo homer against Rangers starter Yu Darvish, Angels outfielder Mike Trout became the first rookie in major league history to record 30 homers and 40 stolen bases in one season.
Insight: Trout needs two more thefts to become the first rookie to go for 30 and 50 in the same year. Right now, Trout and Miguel Cabrera are neck and neck for American League MVP honors, though Cabrera will probably get the nod if the Tigers end up making the postseason and the Angels don't.
Description: Los Angeles DH Kendrys Morales is still looking for his first hit against Texas starter Yu Darvish. He's hitless in 11 career at bats versus the rookie righthander, with six of those 11 at bats ending in strikeouts.
Insight: Morales (.276, 22 HR, 72 RBI) is also dealing with a sore rib cage so Sunday seems like an ideal day for manager Mike Scioscia to give his veteran DH the day off.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols has struggled against Rangers starter Yu Darvish with just two hits in 14 lifetime at bats.
Insight: Pujols (.287, 30 HR, 102 RBI) lost his nine-game hitting streak after an 0-for-3 performance on Friday. Don't count on him to begin a new hitting streak Sunday with Darvish (16-9, 3.90 ERA) on the hill for Texas.
Description: Sunday would be a good day to start Los Angeles third baseman Alberto Callaspo in fantasy. He's hitting a tremendous .455 for his career against Texas righthander Yu Darvish.
Insight: Of course, that's only in 11 at bats, but that's still a pretty high success rate. It's also worth noting that Callaspo has now recorded at least one hit in 10 out of his last 11 games for the Angels.
Description: Angels DH Kendrys Morales is questionable for Saturday's game against Texas with a sore right rib cage which forced him out of Friday night's game.
Insight: With 22 home runs and 72 RBI, Morales, who missed the entire 2011 season and most of 2010 with a leg injury, could be a candidate for the league's comeback player of the year award.
Description: Angels rookie center fielder Mike Trout is 5-for-12 (.417) with a pair of homers and a 1.417 OPS against Rangers starter Derek Holland.
Insight: Trout leads the league in runs (125) and stolen bases (47) and is in the conversation for AL MVP. He's a must-start on Saturday, despite hitting just .184 over the past two weeks.
Description: Los Angeles first baseman Albert Pujols is 5-for-9 with a pair of homers against Rangers left-hander Derek Holland.
Insight: Pujols has once against posted a 30 HR, 100 RBI season, so those who worried over his change of leagues and slow start should have been long ago eased of their stress. He's a must-start on Saturday.
Description: Los Angeles first baseman Albert Pujols "owns" Texas starter Ryan Dempster with a .351 batting average, seven homers and 16 RBI in 57 career at-bats.
Insight: Pujols has once against posted a 30 HR, 100 RBI season, so those who worried over his change of leagues and slow start should have been long ago eased of their stress.
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is perfect in six at-bats against Texas right-hander Ryan Dempster, with four singles, a double and a triple.
Insight: Hunter has put up solid numbers after a slow start (.306, 16 HR, 88 RBI, .803 OPS). Hopefully, you didn't quit on him before the All-Star break as he's batting .340 since.
Description: Los Angeles rookie center fielder Mike Trout is human after all. The MVP candidate is hitting .152 (5-for-33) with one RBI in his last 10 games.
Insight: Trout's average fell to .320 after a 0-for-4 performance Thursday against Seattle.
Description: Angels reliever Jason Isringhausen is leaning toward retirement at the end of the season.
Insight: The 40-year-old hasn't been fantasy relevant in several years but during his prime, he was one of the most dominant closers in the game. His most impressive year came in 2004 when he saved 47 games for the NL Champion Cardinals. This season, Isringhausen holds a 4.14 ERA in 50 appearances. Overall, he's thrown 1007 and 2/3 innings during his 16 seasons in the league.
Description: Los Angeles outfielder Mark Trumbo is not in the lineup for Sunday's series finale versus the White Sox.
Insight: Trumbo is 1-for-6 in the series. He's hitting a dismal .182 in 160 at bats since August 1st. Vernon Wells (.232, 11 HR, 28 RBI) will pick up the start in Trumbo's place.
Description: Angels DH Kendrys Morales is hitting a miserable .167 in 12 lifetime appearances against White Sox starter Gavin Floyd.
Insight: With his 21 home runs, Morales, who missed the entire 2011 season and most of 2010 with an injured leg, could be a candidate for the league's comeback player of the year award. We don't like his chances on Sunday though.
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter has struggled against White Sox starter Gavin Floyd. In 23 at bats versus the Chicago righthander, Hunter has managed just four hits.
Insight: Two of those hits were homers so Hunter is usually "boom or bust" when going up against Floyd. Despite Hunter's impressive batting average this season (his .305 mark in 2012 is a career-high) we're thinking bust rather than boom in this matchup.
Description: Angels reliever Ernesto Frieri is no longer the team's primary closer after allowing four runs over his last two appearances, both losses. According to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he will "match up" with Frieri, Scott Downs and Kevin Jepsen.
Insight: In other words, Scioscia is going to use the dreaded closer-by-committee. While Frieri still has an impressive 2.56 ERA on the season, he has posted a 5.82 ERA in the second half.
Description: Angels outfielder Mark Trumbo is 0-for-10 in his career against Texas righthander Yu Darvish.
Insight: Trumbo is hitting an embarrassing .114 this month and has seen his average slip to .264, the lowest it's been since Opening Day. Make sure he's on the bench Thursday with Darvish (15-9, 4.02 ERA) pitching.
Description: Be careful about starting Angels first baseman Albert Pujols Thursday against Texas. The three-time National League MVP is hitting just .182 versus Rangers starter Yu Darvish.
Insight: Pujols is four ribbies away from his 11th 100-RBI season. Just don't expect him to reach that mark Thursday with Darvish (15-9, 4.02 ERA) pitching.
Description: Los Angeles DH Kendrys Morales is getting the night off Wednesday against Texas.
Insight: Though not as dominant as he was during his monster 2009 campaign, Morales has still been plenty productive for the Angels this season in his first year back from a broken leg. So far, he is hitting .278 with 20 HR and 68 RBI in 122 games played.
Description: Los Angeles rookie center fielder Mike Trout is 4-for-9 (.444) with a pair of homers and a 1.657 OPS against Rangers lefty Derek Holland.
Insight: The MVP candidate (.327, 118 runs scored, 27 HR, 77 RBI, 46 SB) has actually looked mortal over the past week batting just .222 in his last five games. This matchup could get him started again.
Description: Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols has only faced Texas starter Derek Holland six times in his career, but he has four hits, including a double and a pair of homers for a 2.500 OPS.
Insight: Pujols (.282, 30 HR, 96 RBI) went back to St. Louis to be with his wife for the birth to their child on Sunday, but should be in the lineup on Wednesday for this favorable matchup.
Description: Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is not in the lineup Tuesday.
Insight: Pujols went back to St. Louis to be with his wife after she gave birth to their child. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Pujols will miss a matchup with Ryan Dempster Tuesday -- he's 20-for-57 (.351) with seven homers against the Rangers starter -- but he should be back Wednesday.
Description: Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is a career .351 batting average (20-for-57) with seven homers and 16 RBI against Texas starter Ryan Dempster.
Insight: It's hard to remember Pujols' slow start when he went a month without a home run. Now in mid-September he's got 30 HR and 96 RBI and all is back to normal. He's a must start on Tuesday.
Description: Los Angeles first baseman Albert Pujols was supposed to receive the day off Sunday versus the Royals but now he is back in the starting lineup.
Insight: Pujols is taking the place of DH Kendrys Morales, who was a late scratch.
Description: Angels DH Kendrys Morales has been scratched from Sunday's starting lineup.
Insight: No word yet on whether or not the scratch is injury-related. Albert Pujols (.282, 30 HR, 96 RBI) will fill in for Morales Sunday in Kansas City.
Description: Zack Greinke's last five starts have gone much better than his first five with the Angels this season.
Insight: Greinke has allowed two runs or less while throwing seven innings or more in each of his last five starts, going 4-0 with a 1.70 ERA in that span. He was in line for his fifth straight victory Saturday against the Angels, taking a shutout into the ninth inning, but he was lifted after allowing a single and Ernesto Frieri gave up two homers to lose the game.
Description: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick loves seeing Royals starter Bruce Chen on the mound, as he's a lifetime .455 hitter with a pair of homers and a 1.682 OPS in their matchups.
Insight: Kendrick (.284, 7 HR, 55 RBI) hasn't produced the power numbers he showed last season when he hit a career high 18 homers and a .802 OPS. This year he's hit just seven long balls and his OPS has dropped 87 points. Tonight's matchup, however, is a good one.
Description: Angels starter Jered Weaver made his first start since Sept. 2 Thursday and was brilliant in beating the Athletics.
Insight: Weaver allowed just two hits and walked one over seven scoreless innings. He fanned nine to improve to 17-4. The right-hander was scratched from his start last week due to an injury.
Description: Angels starter Jered Weaver made his first start since Sept. 2 Thursday and was brilliant in beating the Athletics.
Insight: Weaver allowed just two hits and walked one over seven scoreless innings. He fanned nine to improve to 17-4. The right-hander was scratched from his start last week due to biceps tendinitis
Description: Angels shortstop Erick Aybar is hitting a miserable .077 in 13 lifetime at bats against Oakland starter Brett Anderson.
Insight: Aybar is on a 12-game hitting streak but Anderson has been just as hot (4-0, 0.69 ERA since his return from the DL). We'll give the edge to Anderson.
Description: Los Angeles outfielder Torii Hunter enters Thursday's action with an impressive resume against Oakland lefthander Brett Anderson.
Insight: Hunter is a .385 hitter against Anderson but the A's starter is 4-0 with a 0.69 ERA in his last four starts. Something's gotta give. We'll go with the veteran Hunter in this matchup.
Description: Los Angeles first baseman Albert Pujols kept his streak of consecutive 30 home run seasons alive by crushing his 30th bomb of the year Wednesday night versus Oakland.
Insight: Pujols has now hit 30 or more homers in each of his 12 seasons in MLB. Unfortunately for Angels fans, the solo shot accounted for the team's only run of the night as the A's captured a decisive 4-1 victory. The Angels are now eight and a half games behind in the division and three and a half out in the Wild Card. They'll need quite a finish if they hope to qualify for the postseason.
Description: Righthander Jered Weaver will be back on the mound for the Angels Thursday against Oakland.
Insight: Weaver was scratched from his start Friday because of biceps tendinitis. Weaver is 2-0 with a 0.38 ERA in two starts versus the A's this season.
Description: Angels outfielder Mark Trumbo has only faced Oakland rookie starter Jarrod parker six times, but he's failed to get on base all six times and struck out on four occasions.
Insight: Trumbo was a first half fantasy All-Star (.306, 22 HR, 57 RBI) and a second half bust, batting just .216 with a .613 OPS which is 352 points lower than before the break. He should be on your bench on Monday.
Description: Angels superstar Albert Pujols could have a tough go of it Sunday versus Anibal Sanchez. These two know each other from their days playing in the National League and it has rarely ended well for the veteran first baseman.
Insight: The Tigers starter has limited Pujols to just two hits in 12 at bats. We'd bench Pujols (.289, 29 HR, 94 RBI) and look for first base help elsewhere on Sunday.
Description: Los Angeles starter Jered Weaver has been ruled out for Friday's start versus the Tigers. He's dealing with a case of right biceps tendinitis.
Insight: With Weaver sidelined, Ervin Santana's start will be moved up to Friday. The Angels are hoping Weaver will recover in time to pitch Tuesday against Oakland.
Description: Los Angeles center fielder Mike Trout has finally looked human in his last 12 games. The rookie is 11-for-53 (.208) with one homer, three RBIs and 15 strikeouts in that span.
Insight: Trout was unstoppable in all facets of the game in the first four months of his career, but he's slowed down as head-to-head leagues have entered the postseason.
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is a career .500 hitter versus Oakland starter Brandon McCarthy with seven hits in 14 official at-bats.
Insight: Hunter has been a better player this year than last, batting .304 with 13 HR, 67 RBI and a .798 OPS. He's been even hotter since the break, batting .349 with an .848 OPS in 48 games. He's a must start on Wednesday.
Description: Angels righthander Jered Weaver's next start is expected to be pushed back due to a bruised right shoulder, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: Weaver (16-4, 2.86 ERA) was hit in the shoulder with a line drive Sunday. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Tuesday that "nothing has changed" regarding Weaver, but it's looking likely that Weaver will be scratched Friday.
Description: Angels 1B/3B/OF Mark Trumbo is hitless in six at-bats against Oakland rookie Jarrod Parker.
Insight: Trumbo is in the middle of his best season in the bigs, batting .273 with 30 HR, 83 RBI and a .835 OPS. However, he's struggled in Parker's two starts against the Angels.
Description: Outfielder Vernon Wells propelled the Angels to victory by crushing a 412-foot home run to left field Monday afternoon at the Oakland Coliseum.
Insight: Wells also added an RBI single in the top of the second inning. Wells isn't an everyday player for Los Angeles anymore but in limited action, he's been pretty productive lately. Over his last nine games, he's hitting .350 with three homers and six RBI.
Description: Los Angeles catcher Chris Iannetta collected a trio of hits Monday in a Labor Day victory over the Athletics.
Insight: Ianetta has flown under the fantasy radar for much of the year but over his last 10 games he's hitting .459 with two jacks and eight RBI. If you are unsatisfied with your current catching situation and Ianetta is available on waivers, why not give him a try?
Description: Angels righthander Jered Weaver may miss his next start because of right shoulder soreness.
Insight: Weaver (16-4, 2.86 ERA) has had a good season, though he hasn't looked particularly sharp over his last four starts. In that span he's 1-2 with a 6.85 ERA.
Description: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick will miss Saturday's game versus Seattle because of a right knee injury.
Insight: Kendrick (.291, 7 HR, 48 RBI) suffered the injury in Thursday's win over the Red Sox. Utility man Maicer Izturis (.255, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 15 SB) will be called upon to play second base Friday in Kendrick's absence.
Description: Angels 1B/3B/OF Mark Trumbo is hitting .316 (6-for-19) against Seattle ace Felix Hernandez with two homers and a .947 OPS
Insight: Trumbo is in the middle of his best season in the bigs, batting .278 with 30 HR, 81 RBI and a .854 OPS. Start him despite Hernandez pitching extremely well of late.
Description: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick will miss Friday's game versus Seattle because of a right knee injury.
Insight: Kendrick (.291, 7 HR, 48 RBI) suffered the injury in Thursday's win over the Red Sox. Utility man Maicer Izturis (.255, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 15 SB) will be called upon to play second base Friday in Kendrick's absence.
Description: Angels first base Albert Pujols is just a .143 hitter in 14 career at-bats against Seattle starter Kevin Millwood.
Insight: Remember when people were worried because Pujols was homerless for the first 27 games? All that worry was for nothing as Pujols now has 29 HR, 90 RBI and his average is up to .287. Friday, however, is not a favorable matchup.
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter apparently loves facing Seattle starter Kevin Millwood. He's a career .405 hitter (17-for-42) with a pair of homers, 13 RBI and a 1.085 OPS.
Insight: Hunter has been much improved since the All-Star break, batting .339 with a .818 OPS and 29 RBI in the last 43 games. He's a must start on Friday.
Description: Angels outfielder Vernon Wells should be avoided in fantasy Thursday against Boston. He's just a .182 lifetime hitter versus tonight's probable stater, Jon Lester.
Insight: Wells hasn't appeared in the lineup since Sunday's game against Detroit and it seems that he's lost most of his already limited fantasy value thanks to the emergence of rookie outfielder Mike Trout (.339, 25 HR, 74 RBI, 41 SB, 102 R).
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is a beast against Jon Lester. He's hitting .417 for his career against the Boston lefthander.
Insight: Lester has looked pretty sharp lately (3-0, 2.25 ERA in his last three starts) but Hunter should get the better of this matchup when these two square off Thursday in Anaheim.
Description: Angels first base Albert Pujols (calf) is back in the lineup Tuesday, serving as the designated hitter.
Insight: Pujols hasn't started since last Wednesday after suffering a calf injury while running the bases. He missed four games, stopping a hot streak in which he had four homers in eight games.
Description: Angels third baseman Alberto Callaspo won't be of much use to fantasy owners Sunday against the Tigers. He's hitting only .167 for his career against righthander Max Scherzer.
Insight: Callaspo has done a little better in August (.265) after a tough July (.198) but he's still not a particularly strong fantasy option at third base.
Description: First baseman Albert Pujols will be on the sidelines for a third straight game Saturday when the Angels take on Detroit. Pujols injured his calf in a game Wednesday against the Red Sox.
Insight: Pujols is 7-for-15 over his last four starts so don't expect the Angels to keep him out too much longer as he battles this relatively minor calf injury.
Description: Zack Greinke had his best start as a member of the Angels Friday night against Detroit. In seven and two thirds innings, Greinke gave up only one run on five hits. He struck out five and walked two.
Insight: Greinke is now 2-2 with a 5.21 ERA in six starts with his new team.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is questionable for Friday's game against Detroit with tightness in right calf. Pujols told Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register on Thursday, "I'm walking better and I have some strength back. It's feeling much better than yesterday."
Insight: Pujols left Wednesday's game with right calf tightness and sat out Thursday night's 14-13 slugfest with the Red Sox to the dismay of fantasy owners.
Description: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is a career .500 hitter (6-for-12) with a 1.417 OPS against Tigers starter Rick Porcello.
Insight: Hunter is hitting at a .345 clip with 21 runs scored, two homers and 26 RBI in 37 games since the All-Star break. He's a must start on Friday.
Description: Los Angeles Angels starter Jered Weaver allowed nine runs in three innings his last time out but he got back to business Wednesday against Boston to win his first start since Aug. 6.
Insight: Weaver came in having lost two straight starts following an eight-start winning streak, but he left Fenway Park with his 16th win after throwing seven-innings of two-run ball (7 H, 1 BB, 5 K).
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols left Wednesday's game with right calf tightness, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: DiGiovanna said the injury doesn't appear to be too serious but it still could sideline Pujols for 1-2 days.
Description: Angels 1B/3B/OF Mark Trumbo is hitting just .246 in the second half, but he does have eight homers in that span.
Insight: Trumbo has whiffed 44 times in 35 games since the All-Star break. He did have two hits and a homer Tuesday against Boston, but he has been mostly cold in the last month after a torrid first half.
Description: The Angels will skip Dan Haren's start the next time through the rotation.
Insight: This means Haren won't be available for Tuesday's game against the Red Sox though he remains on track to pitch again next Saturday against Detroit. It looked like Haren was starting to get into a groove after a strong three-game stretch that carried over into August (2-0, 2.00 ERA) but he has gotten off track again in his last two starts (0-2, 12.85).
Description: Los Angeles second baseman Howie Kendrick has been very successful facing Tampa Bay starter James Shields, with 12 hits in 21 at-bats (.571) including five extra base hits and a 1.429 OPS.
Insight: Kendrick's batting average is hovering around his career average, but his power numbers are down this season with an OPS that has dropped from .802 in 2011 to .709. He's having a good August (.333, .822 OPS) and combined with this favorable matchup makes him a must start on Friday.
Description: Los Angeles outfielder Torii Hunter has terrorized Tampa Bay lefthander David Price during their 16 previous encounters (.375 average).
Insight: Hunter limped to a .270 average while dealing with family issues throughout the first half of 2012 but since the break, he has hit at a .345 clip with two homers and 21 RBI.
Description: Los Angeles center fielder Mike Trout slammed his 22nd home run of the season Wednesday night in a win over Cleveland.
Insight: He also recorded his league-leading 38th swipe of the year. Trout (.340, 22 HR, 66 RBI) hasn't been quite as effective in August (.268, 4 HR, 11 RBI) as he was last month (.392, 10 HR, 23 RBI) but we'd be remiss to completely eliminate him from the American League MVP discussion.
Description: Los Angeles righthander Ervin Santana turned in a strong performance Wednesday against the Indians. In seven innings, Santana surrendered just one run on four hits, walking one and striking out four.
Insight: Santana (6-10, 5.59 ERA) has proved to be a maddeningly inconsistent fantasy player in the past, but he's still capable of putting together a dominant performance every now and then. Santana seems to have settled down in August (1-0, 3.26) after a rough July (1-2, 12.21).
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is not starting Wednesday night's game versus the Indians.
Insight: Pujols has been terrific over his last two games (4-for-8, two homers, six RBI). Expect him to be back in the lineup Thursday after his day of rest.
Description: Los Angeles second baseman Howie Kendrick won't be in the lineup Wednesday against Cleveland.
Insight: It's been a good month for Kendrick (.341 average in 11 games) and really, the 29-year-old has been swinging a hot bat for a while now. After opening the year at a .257 clip, Kendrick has hit .310 since June 1st.
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is a career .152 hitter (5-for-33) against Cleveland right-hander Roberto Hernandez, including 10 strikeouts.
Insight: Hunter (.296, 12 HRs, 56 RBIs) is batting .354 since the All-Star break, but struggles in this matchup which you should avoid.
Description: Angels outfielder Vernon Wells is a career .111 hitter (2-for-18) versus Cleveland hurler Justin Masterson.
Insight: Wells is batting .429 this week, his first good effort since returning from injury, but today's matchup is unfavorable and he's a top candidate to sit, not play, on Monday.
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is a career .333 hitter (5-for-15) against Cleveland right-hander Justin Masterson with three homers and a 1.322 OPS.
Insight: Hunter (.295, 12 HRs, 55 RBIs) has been hot over the past four weeks, batting .347 with 17 RBI in 24 games. He's a must start on Monday.
Description: Los Angeles first baseman Albert Pujols is the master at hitting Seattle's Jason Vargas. He'll enter Sunday's game with a .500 career batting average against the Mariners lefthander.
Insight: Pujols (.279, 24 HR, 76 RBI) is just one for his last 19 at the plate but we think the law of averages will prevail in this matchup.. Expect the Machine to break out and have a big game Sunday.
Description: Los Angeles third baseman Alberto Callaspo will be on the sidelines Sunday afternoon against the Mariners.
Insight: He's hitless in his last 12 at bats and is just a .188 career hitter against Seattle's Jason Vargas, so you probably wouldn't have been able to get much production out of Callaspo (.240, 8 HR, 35 RBI) on Sunday anyway.
Description: Angels DH Kendrys Morales had a multi-homer game Wednesday for the second time in his last nine games.
Insight: Morales has struggled to get the ball in the air this season, posting a 0.94 GB/FB ratio (compared to the 0.74 GB/FB he recorded in his 34-homer season in 2009). However, he has been getting more lift on the ball as of late, hitting two doubles and five homers in his last nine games.
Description: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick is just 1-for-16 (.063) against Oakland veteran Bartolo Colon.
Insight: Kendrick has been healthy this season but he just hasn't been very good. However, since the All-Star break he's batting .295 in 121games. This matchup is one to avoid.
Description: Los Angeles shortstop Erick Aybar has been activated from the disabled list. He had been out of commission since July 21 because of a broken toe.
Insight: Fill-in shortstop Maicer Izturis (.251, 2 HR, 16 RBI) will lose most of his fantasy value upon Aybar's return.
Description: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick has been swinging the bat well since the All-Star break and he has a favorable matchup Sunday.
Insight: Kendrick has been healthy this season but he just hasn't been very good. However, since the All-Star break he's batting .310 in 19 games. Plus, he owns a .538 average (7-for-13) in his career against White Sox starter Francisco Liriano.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is 13-for-29 with six homers and 13 RBIs in his last six games, but he's 0-for-11 in his career against White Sox starter Francisco Liriano.
Insight: Pujols' April struggles are a distant memory and he's helping fantasy owners when it matters most. Since he hit his first homer of the season on May 6, Pujols is batting .322 with 22 doubles, 24 homers, 71 RBIs and a 1.019 OPS in 79 games. Pujols is so hot right now that he'll likely overcome the unfavorable matchup Sunday against Liriano.
Description: Angels DH Kendrys Morales is just 1-for-10 in his career against White Sox right-hander Gavin Floyd.
Insight: Morales (.276, 12 HRs, 47 RBIs) is having a solid comeback season after missing half of 2010 and all of 2011. Unfortunately, the Angels have a lot of quality bats and finding playing time for them all is difficult.
Description: Angels outfielder Vernon Wells likes seeing Whites Sox hurler Gavin Floyd on the mound as he's a .400 hitter (8-for-20) with a pair of homers and a 1.355 OPS against him.
Insight: The 33-year-old is 0-for-11 since his return from the disabled list on Saturday. With Mark Trumbo, Mike Trout, Torii Hunter and Kendry Morales all healthy there may be many fewer opportunities for Wells to play.
Description: Angels starter Dan Haren (back) will start Sunday after being scratched from Wednesday start due to back stiffness, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: Haren (4.76 ERA) tossed a bullpen session Thursday without any issues. He recently spent time on the DL for the first time in his career with lower back issues, but his most recent injury was unrelated.
Description: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick has recorded two multi-hit games in a row but he won't have a chance to collect a third until Thursday. He's sitting Wednesday night against Texas.
Insight: Kendrick (.278, 5 HRs, 35 RBIs) is hitting .333 (11-for-33) over his last nine games.
Description: Los Angeles outfielder Mark Trumbo is 0-for-8 with four strikeouts in his career against Texas righthander Yu Darvish.
Insight: Trumbo (.301, 27 HRs, 69 RBIs) hasn't homered for the Angels since July 20 and we're guessing that drought will continue Wednesday versus Darvish (11-7, 4.05 ERA).
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols had his first multi-homer game with his new team Tuesday against the Rangers.
Insight: Pujols finally reached the 20-homer plateau after 102 games while raising his batting average to .284 Tuesday. It has certainly been quite a turnaround for the first baseman.
Description: Los Angeles Angels starter Jered Weaver won his eighth straight start and ninth straight decision to improve to 14-1 Tuesday at Texas.
Insight: Weaver's last and only loss this season came May 13 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Though he put up two straight dominant seasons in 2010 and 2011, Weaver has trumped both of those with his 2012 performance.
Description: Angels 1B/3B/OF Mark Trumbo (rib) is back in the lineup Tuesday after missing Monday's game with a dislocated rib/back spasms.
Insight: Trumbo is always a must-start when healthy, so fantasy owners should get him back in there Tuesday against Rangers starter Derek Holland. Trumbo is 5-for-16 with one homer against Holland.
Description: Looks like the knee contusion that kept Angels outfielder Mike Trout out of the lineup Sunday won't be a problem. The 20-year-old went 2-for-5 with his 17th homer against Texas Monday.
Insight: Trout scored three runs and drove in four. He's simply unstoppable in every fantasy category you can think of.
Description: Angels DH Kendrys Morales had a monster game Monday night against the Rangers. He finished the evening with two home runs and six RBIs.
Insight: Morales (.271, 11 HRs, 45 RBIs) also struck out three times during the game so clearly he was swinging for the fences tonight. Don't expect this kind of outburst to occur often for Morales, who is still working his way back from a leg injury that caused him to miss most of the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
Description: Angels starter Dan Haren (back) may be scratched from his start Wednesday due to back stiffness, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.
Insight: Haren (4.76 ERA) just returned from his first career disabled list stint. Fortunately, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said the stiffness is higher than the back injury that landed him on the DL.
Description: Angels outfielder Vernon Wells is not listed as a starter for Monday night's game against Texas.
Insight: The 33-year-old is 0-for-7 since his return from the disabled list on Saturday. Mike Trout's emergence has made Wells the odd man out in an outfield that also includes Mark Trumbo (.304, 27 HRs, 69 RBIs) and Torii Hunter (.284, 11 HRs, 44 RBIs), so don't expect to see Wells (.232, 6 HRs, 12 RBIs) on the field very much in the second half of 2012.
Description: Angels center fielder Mike Trout (knee) is back in the lineup Monday against the Rangers. Trout sat out Sunday's game with a bruised left knee.
Insight: It has to be considered good news that the unparalleled 20-year-old Trout only had to miss one game. Hopefully the five-tool outfielder's play is unaffected by the knee contusion.
Description: Angels 1B/3B/OF Mark Trumbo has a dislocated rib on his right side and is out of Monday's lineup, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: Trumbo actually suffered the injury Sunday in batting practice but played through it. DiGiovanna said Trumbo could play Monday if he pushed himself but the Angels want to be cautious.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols has a long history against Rangers starter Roy Oswalt going back to when the two played in the NL Central. Pujols is 26-for-86 (.302) with seven doubles, five homers and 13 RBIs in his career against Oswalt.
Insight: Pujols is hitting .328 with a 1.021 OPS in 15 post-break games. He's a great play Monday against the Rangers.
Description: Angels starter Zack Greinke fired seven innings and held Tampa Bay to two runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts and one walk in his first start with the team Sunday.
Insight: Greinke (9-4, 3.44 ERA) was the tough-luck loser against Jeremy Hellickson, but his debut was still a success from a fantasy standpoint.
Description: Angels center fielder Mike Trout will sit out Sunday's game because of a bruised knee.
Insight: Trout (.350, 16 HRs, 49 RBIs) is hitting an unfathomable .378 since June 1 with 11 HRs, 33 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. This injury seems pretty minor so we wouldn't expect the talented 20-year-old to be on the shelf for long.
Description: Right fielder Torii Hunter won't be on the field for Zack Greinke's Angels debut on Sunday. It's just a routine day of rest for the veteran.
Insight: Hunter (.285, 11 HRs, 44 RBIs) has rewarded fantasy owners by hitting .448 during his current seven-game hitting streak.
Description: Angels outfielder Vernon Wells, out since May because of a torn thumb ligament, has been activated from the 15-day DL. He'll start in left field and bat seventh Saturday night against the Rays.
Insight: Wells (.244, 6 HRs, 12 RBIs) bopped 25 homers last season but he'll have almost no chance of repeating that feat again in 2012.
Description: Angels catcher Chris Iannetta was activated from the disabled list on Saturday. He has missed the last two and a half months while recovering from a forearm injury.
Insight: Despite being available to play for the first time in months, Iannetta (.197, 3 HRs, 9 RBIs) is not listed in the starting lineup for Saturday night's game against Tampa Bay. Instead, Bobby Wilson (.224, 2 HRs, 9 RBIs) will make his 47th start of the year behind the plate for Los Angeles.
Description: Albert Pujols is back in the lineup and starting at first base Friday night against Tampa Bay. Pujols missed Wednesday's game because of a sore elbow.
Insight: He's hitting .340 with four homers and 10 runs driven in since the All-Star break.
Description: Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that righthander Zack Greinke has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels. The Brewers will receive shortstop Jean Segura and minor league pitchers Johnny Hellweg and Ariel Pena.
Insight: This is a colossal move for the Angels who now add Greinke to what was already one of the game's strongest starting rotations (Dan Haren, Ervin Santana, Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson). If Greinke (9-3, 3.44 ERA) starts on normal rest he'll make his Los Angeles debut Sunday against Tampa Bay.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is questionable for Friday's game against Tampa Bay.
He was hit in the elbow with a pitch on Tuesday and sat out Wednesday's game
Insight: X-rays on the elbow came back negative and Pujols should be back soon, we just don't know if it will be Friday. After a horrible April, Pujols has rebounded nicely and should finish the year with 30-plus homers and 100 RBI.
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter had four hits, including a solo homer, three RBIs and three runs scored in five at-bats Wednesday against Kansas City.
Insight: Hunter is getting up there in age but he hits between Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, a spot that provides plenty of RBI and run-scoring opportunities. He has some AL-only league value.
Description: Los Angeles shortstop Erick Aybar remains out of the Angels' lineup and was seen wearing a protective walking boot on his foot on Monday. Aybar injured his toe in Saturday's game against Texas and hasn't been in the lineup since.
Insight: Aybar (.257, 4 HRs, 28 RBIs) could be dealing with a broken toe, which would almost certainly send the seven-year veteran to the disabled list.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is 3-for-10 against Royals lefty Bruce Chen in his career with a double and two home runs.
Insight: In April when Pujols was homerless and batting .217 some fantasy owners were in panic mode. Its near the end of July and "King Albert" is batting .280 with 18 HR and 60 RBI. By the end of the season, those owners who stayed the course will see fairly normal Pujols numbers. He's a must-start on Monday.
Description: Angels starter Dan Haren (back) rejoined the big league rotation Sunday after his first career DL stint.
Insight: Haren (4.76 ERA) allowed 26 runs in 27 innings before he was placed on the disabled list with lower back stiffness, but he was able to hold Texas to two runs on three hits in six innings (95 pitches) Sunday. Haren has allowed 125 hits in 109 2/3 innings this season, but he should improve upon that now that he's healthy.
Description: Angels third baseman Alberto Callaspo is only 4-for-23 (.174) with no homers or RBIs in his career against Rangers lefty Matt Harrison.
Insight: Callaspo (.252, 7 HRs, 31 RBIs) enters Sunday's game on a five-game hitting streak but it wouldn't shock us if that ended tonight against Harrison.
Description: Angels shortstop Erick Aybar might not play today after bruising his toe in Saturday's 9-2 loss but even if he does, he shouldn't be in any fantasy starting lineups Sunday against Texas. He's hitting .125 with no homers and three RBIs in 16 at bats against Rangers lefthander Matt Harrison.
Insight: Aybar (.257, 4 HRs, 28 RBIs) was heating up a week ago when he hit three homers in a four-game stretch, but since then he is batting just .105 (2-19) with two RBIs.
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter has been awful in his career against Texas lefthander Matt Harrison. In 15 at bats, Hunter has registered just one hit versus Harrison.
Insight: That one hit was a home run but we wouldn't expect much out of Hunter (.267, 10 HRs, 40 RBIs) on Sunday night.
Description: Angels starter Ervin Santana didn't get out of the second inning Saturday for the second time in his last three starts, serving up six runs on eight hits in 1 2/3 innings against the Rangers.
Insight: Santana (4-10, 6.00 ERA) has had a rocky season and it got a little rockier Saturday. The right-hander simply can't be trusted.
Description: Los Angeles starter Garrett Richards will start Tuesday at Kansas City as the Angels have moved the struggling Jerome Williams to the bullpen.
Insight: Richards (3-1, 3.53) has allowed a ton of baserunners (1.55 WHIP) but he's managed to limit the scoring. He's a risky play against better offenses but you can use him Tuesday against the Royals.
Description: Angels center fielder Mike Trout is 3-for-6 against Rangers starter Yu Darvish with a double and a home run for a 1.738 OPS.
Insight: If you thought Trout had peaked before the All-Star game, you would be wrong. Since that game, Trout is batting .444 with three homers, six RBI, four SB and a 1.335 OPS. He might be the best player in fantasy baseball at the ripe old age of 20.
Description: Los Angeles outfielder Torii Hunter is receiving a day of rest and won't play in Thursday afternoon's game versus Detroit.
Insight: Fantasy owners must be wondering where Hunter's power has gone. He hasn't homered in a game since June 27 when he went deep against the Orioles.
Description: Los Angeles starter Garrett Richards limited the Tigers' offense to just three hits in seven scoreless frames as the Angels won 13-0 Tuesday night in Detroit.
Insight: It's easy to forget about Richards (3-1, 3.53 ERA) with all of the dominant offensive performances on display Tuesday night at Comerica Park but this was one of his better starts of the year. Unfortunately, with Dan Haren close to returning from the DL, this could be the last time Richards sees the mound for a while.
Description: Angels utilityman Mark Trumbo has now blasted four homers in five post-break games after he went deep again Tuesday.
Insight: Trumbo also has six home runs in his last eight games. The 1B/3B/OF/DH added two hits Tuesday to raise his average to .311. He'll likely stay in the cleanup spot in the order now that he's replaced Kendrys Morales there, and that will provide him with plenty of RBI opportunities with Mike Trout and Albert Pujols getting on base in front of him.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols contributed three hits including his 16th home run of the season Tuesday night in Los Angeles' 13-0 onslaught against the Tigers.
Insight: Pujols has used a .340 month of July to boost his average to a respectable .278 for the season. It took him a month and change to get going but it looks like it's finally safe to say that the Machine is back.
Description: Angels center fielder Mike Trout went 4-for-6 with a two-run homer Monday against the Tigers.
Insight: It didn't seem like Trout could top what he did in the first half coming out of the All-Star break, but he has so far. In five second half contests, he has 12 hits, including four doubles and one homer, four RBIs with four stolen bases. He's a fantasy monster and nobody can do anything to stop him.
Description: Angels 2B Maicer Izturis has faced Rick Porcello just eight times, but he's gotten on base six times including five hits.
Insight: Izturis is batting just .230, but he does have 11 stolen bases. Since 2B is relatively shallow in fantasy circles, Izturis is certainly worth considering, at least for one day
Description: Angels starter Dan Haren (back) is expected to rejoin the big league rotation on July 22, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: Haren will make a minor league rehab start Monday or Tuesday after coming out from Saturday's bullpen session with no issues.
Description: Angels utilityman Mark Trumbo hasn't allowed the All-Star break to cool his bat. He has five hits, two homers and four RBIs in 12 at-bats.
Insight: If fantasy owners had any concerns that Trumbo's first half was a fluke, the slugger is quickly assauging them.
Description: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick will get the afternoon off Sunday when Los Angeles takes on the AL East-leading New York Yankees.
Insight: Kendrick (.277, 5 HRs, 32 RBIs, 6 SBs) isn't excelling in any one area this season but he hasn't been doing badly in any either. This appears to be a scheduled day of rest so expect the former All-Star to be back in the lineup Monday against Detroit.
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is still dealing with a groin problem and won't play Sunday against New York.
Insight: Hunter (.266, 10 HRs, 35 RBIs) tweaked his groin in Friday night's game. He's not expected to go on the DL but it wouldn't be surprising if Hunter missed a couple more games.
Description: Angels center fielder Mike Trout tallied another three hits Saturday in a 5-3 defeat against the Yankees. The Los Angeles rookie also contributed two stolen bases.
Insight: The two thefts give him four in his last two contests and 30 for the season. That total leads the major leagues, an amazing feat considering that Trout (.348, 12 HRs, 40 RBIs) spent almost the entire month of April in Triple-A. He leads Minnesota's Joe Mauer (.329) by 19 percentage points in the AL batting race.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against New York. He's dealing with a sore ankle.
Insight: After an ugly April, Pujols has performed better, though he still hasn't produced even a single month anywhere close to his career OPS of 1.025.
Description: Despite Torii Hunter's career .396 batting average (19-for-48) versus Yankees starter Freddy Garcia the Angels outfielder is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against New York.
Insight: Since returning from dealing with a family crisis, Hunter has batted .275 with five home runs and 20 RBI.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is a poor 4-for-18 (.222) against Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda - well below his career .325 batting average.
Insight: After an ugly April, Pujols has performed better, though he still hasn't produced even a single month anywhere close to his career OPS of 1.025. Don't expect that to change on Friday.
Description: Angels starter C.J. Wilson is expected to start Los Angeles' first game back after the All-Star break against the Yankees. Wilson left the All-Star game due to a blister on his pitching hand.
Insight: Wilson (9-5, 2.43) has been as consistent as any starter in the league this year, allowing three earned runs or less in 17 of 18 starts.
Description: Making his first start as an Angel, Brad Mills held the Orioles at bay for five scoreless innings Sunday in a 6-0 Los Angeles win. Mills walked none and struck out six over 88 pitches.
Insight: Mills was only 3-4 with a 4.76 ERA in 11 games for Triple-A Salt Lake City this season before his callup so it's a little surprising that he was able to pitch so well on Sunday. This was just a spot start so despite the strong outing, Mills is probably headed back to Salt Lake.
Description: Angels center fielder Mike Trout circled the bases Sunday for his 12th home run of the season. The 440-foot homer came in a 6-0 win over the Orioles.
Insight: Is it even possible for a rookie to be this good? Trout's first half statline reads like this: 64 games, .341 batting average, 12 HRs, 40 RBIs, .397 OBP, .562 SLG, .959 OPS. Oh yeah, and he also leads the American League in stolen bases with 26 (he's only been caught three times). If he keeps this up, Trout will have a very real chance at becoming the first rookie to win the MVP award since Ichiro Suzuki did it back in 2001.
Description: Los Angeles Angels starter Jered Weaver made a strong case that he should start the All-Star game for the second straight year Saturday night with an eight-inning, three-hit shutout against the Orioles.
Insight: Weaver (10-1, 1.96) is 4-0 with an ERA of 0.33 and a WHIP of 0.83 in four starts since he returned from the disabled list. He was 11-4 with a 1.86 ERA at the All-Star break last season before going 7-4 with a 3.21 in the second half.
Description: Angels starter Dan Haren has been moved to the 15-day DL. He's suffering from lower back stiffness.
Insight: Haren has been awful recently (9.14 ERA in his last four outings) and it's very possible that the bad back has been affecting his performance. Haren has actually been shockingly durable throughout his career: this is the first DL stint Haren has had to endure in 10 seasons in the major leagues.
Description: Angels starter Ervin Santana walked three and allowed eight runs on six hits in 1 1/3 innings against Cleveland Wednesday to drop to 4-9.
Insight: Santana appeared to be turning a corner when he tossed a one-hit shutout on June 16 and followed it up with eight-strong innings in his next start, but he's allowed 13 runs in his last 6 1/3 innings. It's time to cut him loose, he's too inconsistent to start on a regular basis.
Description: Los Angeles second baseman Howie Kendrick is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Cleveland. Simply a rest day.
Insight: Kendrick has respectable numbers, .280, 31 runs, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 5 SB, but more was expected when he started the season batting in front of Albert Pujols. He's batting primarily in the sixth hole these days which is much less productive.
Description: Angels starter Dan Haren is questionable for Sunday's scheduled start against Baltimore with a sore back.
Insight: The Angels righty is just 6-8 with a 4.86 ERA and 1.408 WHIP. He's lucky to have six wins as he's been the beneficiary of Angels offensive power, winning two of his last three starts while yielding five or more runs.
Description: Angels starter Dan Haren won for the third time in four starts last Thursday, but that doesn't mean he's pitching well. He's yielded 20 earned runs in his last 22 2/3 innings pitched.
Insight: The Angels have supported him with an average of seven runs per game over the span. If its a win you are looking for, he might still be able to produce that, but at the moment his 7.94 ERA and 1.808 WHIP won't help your other fantasy statistics.
Description: Angels center fielder Mike Trout will sit out Los Angeles' game against Cleveland on Monday night. He's tending to a finger injury that he suffered while sliding into second base in Sunday's win over Toronto.
Insight: Trout's pinkie injury is considered to be a minor one and he should be okay to play again in the next couple of days. Trout, who leads the American League in hitting with a .339 average, will be heading to Kansas City next week to represent the AL in his first All-Star game appearance.
Description: Los Angeles Angels starter Jered Weaver has won both starts since returning from a trip to the disabled list for a back injury, displaying no ill effect.
Insight: Weaver improved to 8-1 in his last start, yielding just six hits and one earned run against Baltimore. His ERA is a stunning 2.31 and he owns an AL-leading 0.918 WHIP. He's a must start.
Description: Los Angeles second baseman Howie Kendrick is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Toronto. Simply a rest day.
Insight: Kendrick had a chance to bat in front of Pujols and post big numbers, but his .273 batting average with four homers and 29 RBI has forced manager Mike Scioscia to drop him in the order.
Description: Los Angeles Angels starter Jerome Williams (chest) will pitch five innings or 75 pitches in his first minor league rehab start Sunday for Triple-A Salt Lake, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
Insight: Williams (6-5, 4.46) is likely to make at least one more rehab start after Sunday before taking Garrett Richards' spot in the rotation.
Description: It's official, Mike Trout cannot be stopped. The Angels' rookie center fielder grabbed two more hits Thursday including his eighth home run of the season off of Blue Jays lefthander Brett Cecil.
Insight: This comes on the heels of a 4-6 effort Wednesday night in Baltimore. Check out what Trout (.345, 8 HRs, 32 RBIs, 21 SBs) has been able to do over his last 10 games: 19-45 (.422) with two homers and six RBIs. Trout might win more than just the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2012: he might also be the league's MVP.
Description: Angels utilityman Mark Trumbo blasted a two-run homer before sprinting to his third triple of the year in the ninth inning of Thursday night's win over Toronto.
Insight: The Trumbo/Trout combo has just been unstoppable for the Angels as of late. Trumbo now has 3 HRs and 12 RBIs in his last nine games, giving him 19 HRs and 53 RBIs for the season. He's also batting .315, good for seventh-best in the American League.
Description: On Aug. 14, 2010, Bobby Wilson homered twice against Toronto Blue Jays' pitcher Brett Cecil. He's 3-for-6 against Cecil in his limited career.
Insight: Under normal circumstances Wilson (.187, 0 HR, 4 RBI in 91 at-bats) has no fantasy value, but if you are struggling for catcher production you could take the longest of long shots and put him in your lineup on Thursday.
Description: Angels starter C.J. Wilson has allowed one run or less in six of his last seven starts, with his last start serving as the exception.
Insight: Wilson (9-4, 2.36 ERA) handled Baltimore Tuesday, allowing one run on six hits in seven innings. He's been worth every penny for the Angels, and for fantasy owners as well.
Description: Los Angeles Angels starter Jerome Williams (chest) threw 51 pitches in a three-inning simulated game Monday and had no issues.
Insight: Williams (6-5, 4.46) was hospitalized after his last start after suffering an asthma attack. He'll return to the Angels rotation next week, likely taking Garrett Richards' place.
Description: Angels starter Ervin Santana followed up the one-hit shutout in his last start with an eight-inning performance against the Dodgers Saturday. Santana held Los Angeles to three runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out 10 and walking none. However, he took the loss as the Angels could only muster one run against Chris Capuano.
Insight: Santana is in a major groove right now and we've already seen earlier this season what he can do when that happens. Santana went 2-2 with 2.25 ERA in a five-start stretch from April 29 to May 20. However, he followed that up by allowing four earned runs or more in each of the next four starts. Grab Santana for his potential but understand that it can go south at any time.
Description: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is a career .500 hitter (9-for-18) versus Dodgers starter Chris Capuano.
Insight: Since returning from dealing with a family crisis, Hunter has batted .301 with four homers and 13 RBI in 20 games. Combined with a favorable matchup makes him a must-start.
Description: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is a career .528 hitter versus Dodgers starter Chris Capuano with five homers and a 1.651 OPS in 36 career at-bats.
Insight: While Pujols is batting .314 over the past month, his numbers have dropped dramatically this past week as he went 3-for-17 (.176). Perhaps this favorable matchup will get him started again.
Description: Los Angeles Angels starter Jerome Williams, currently on the disabled list due to shortness of breath, has been cleared for all baseball activities, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. Gonzalez said that the Angels don't have to be cautious about him starting.
Insight: Williams (6-5, 4.46) was hospitalized after his last start after suffering an asthma attack. Los Angeles hasn't decided when Williams will start once he returns from the DL in less than two weeks.
Description: Los Angeles DH Kendrys Morales went 1-4 with a solo home run Wednesday in a 6-0 Angels win over San Francisco.
Insight: Morales (.269, 8 HRs, 24 RBIs) has been slumping in June (.191 in 47 at bats this month) but maybe his home run on Wednesday is a sign of good things to come.
Description: Angels utilityman Mark Trumbo homered again in Wednesday night's 6-0 win over the Giants.
Insight: It was Trumbo's fifth homer in his last 10 games and over his last 22 games, he is hitting .322 with 11 HRs and 29 RBIs. It's safe to say we'll be seeing Trumbo (.324, 17 HRs, 48 RBIs) in Kansas City for the All-Star Game in a couple of weeks.
Description: A night after going 4-4, Los Angeles center fielder Mike Trout contributed two more hits Wednesday in the Angels 6-0 win over San Francisco.
Insight: Trout (.338, 6 HRs, 28 RBIs, 19 SBs) is hitting .395 in June and could be a candidate for AL Player of the Month. Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton won the award for April and May.
Description: Los Angeles starter Jered Weaver tossed six shutout innings Wednesday night in his return to the Angels' starting rotation.
Insight: Weaver improved to 7-1 on the season and didn't display any ill effects from the back injury that landed him on the DL late last month. Weaver (2.40 ERA) has been one of the most reliable starting pitchers in fantasy baseball this season and should be in your lineup every time he takes the hill.
