Rays/MLB

Up next: angels

By MARC TOPKIN
Published July 24, 2006

UP NEXT: ANGELS

WHAT'S NEW: Since sweeping the Rays to open the second half, the Angels have gone 4-3 against the struggling Indians and Royals. But they won 3-1 Sunday and are still one of the league's hottest teams at 15-4 in July. With Kelvim Escobar coming off the DL Saturday and Jered Weaver bouncing back strong Sunday, the Angels have one of the game's most dominant rotations (with John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Bartolo Colon facing the Rays) and a strong bullpen.

INJURIES: The Angels are without Seminole High's Casey Kotchman (viral syndrome), Dallas McPherson (back) and Darin Erstad (right ankle).

KEEP IN MIND: Eight Angels have made their major-league debuts this season, including future star Howie Kendrick. ... The Angels lead the AL in errors and unearned runs allowed, as well as stolen bases. ... Brandon High's Chone Figgins leads the AL with 38 stolen bases.

WHO'S HOT: Vladimir Guerrero is hitting .397 in July and Juan Rivera .343 with eight homers and 15 RBIs.

WHO'S NOT: Garret Anderson is in a 3-for-25 skid and Orlando Cabrera is hitting .214 in July.

SERIES: The Angels lead 5-1, including the July 14-17 sweep in Anaheim. Overall, the Angels lead 55-29 and are 25-16 at the Trop.

[Last modified July 24, 2006, 01:10:40]