Angels face Houston Astros at best possible time

The Los Angeles Angels appear to have finally emerged from what appeared to be a long-term slump with their victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. It was the first time since last July against the Yankees that the Angels swept a three-game home series.

“It was three good games against a good team,” Angels manager Ron Washington told Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. “I think we proved we can play. All we have to do is look for this consistency. I’m very happy with the way we played. All that hard work they’ve done since February, I hope it starts to pay off.

With the momentum of the sweep on their side, the Angels now look ahead to the weekend series at home against the Houston Astros – which couldn’t come at a better time, as the Astros are no longer able to pitch.

Right-handed pitchers Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy were each scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery on their right elbows this week. The two starters joined an ever-growing list of pitchers on the IL for the Astros, who are 28-35.

The team’s 60-day IL now includes Kendall Graveman, Bennett Sousa, Oliver Ortega, Penn Murfee, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia and Urquidy. Javier is expected to be moved to the 60-day list after his surgery on Thursday.

Houston comes into Anaheim in third place in the AL West. The Angels are just 3.5 games behind, at 24-38. If momentum continues to swing in favor of the Halos, the standings could see a major shake-up on Sunday.