OC Register: Angels Notes: Heart of the order clicks in first weekend together

[AngelsWin.com]

ARLINGTON, Texas — The new middle of the Angels’ order is certainly working.

Justin Upton reached base five times on Sunday, with two singles and three walks, improving to 5 for 11 with five walks in his first three games with the Angels.

Albert Pujols, who now bats behind Upton, took advantage, driving in seven runs in the three games. Pujols was 7 for 13 with two walks in the series. Mike Trout, who hits in front of Upton, was 6 for 12 with five walks.

“Look at the opportunities Albert’s gotten and the opportunities he’s cashed in,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “That’s one of the reasons why Justin is hitting in front of him. You’ve got a guy with a .450 on base (Mike Trout) and a guy with a .360 on base (Upton) in front of Albert… Hopefully that will create opportunities for Albert and Kole (Calhoun) and (Andrelton Simmons).”

It’s also possible that Pujols can benefit simply by having more run-producers in the lineup, taking some of the pressure off him.

“I think there’s a confidence you get that you can pass the baton, that ‘I don’t have to do it all right here,’” Scioscia said. “At times when your lineup is really shallow there is more attention to what Mike is doing, what Albert is doing, the guys you expect large contributions from.”

Scioscia said those two players mostly maintain a solid approach, but they can “feel a sense of urgency that I have to do it now or else we’re going to struggle.”

COMEBACK KIDS

The Angels’ come-from-behind victory on Saturday night was their 40th of the season, most in the American League. Many of those have been late-inning deficits. They were down to their final strike, down by two, before rallying on Saturday.

For a team that ranks 27th in the majors in OPS, it’s surprising to have so many comebacks.

As you’d expect, the Angels have performed better when trying to make up a deficit or late in games. Their OPS when trailing ranks 16th in the majors. In “late and close” situations, they are sixth. From the seventh to ninth innings, they are 13th.

They nearly did it again on Sunday, scoring three runs in the ninth before losing 7-6.

“I love the spirit on this team in the dugout,” Scioscia said before the game. “They aren’t tight. They aren’t pressing. They go up there with good at-bats and I think we’ve enhanced that with a couple veterans like Justin and Brandon (Phillips). There’s only so much you can do in the batter’s box. You want to bring it every time. No more, no less. It’s where you start. We’ve done a pretty good job of getting back in games.”

ALSO

Upton came out of Sunday’s game in the ninth inning when he felt some cramping his hip, which he said was caused by dehydration. He is expected to be fine to play on Monday…

Yunel Escobar (strained oblique) has been cleared to begin swinging a bat on Monday, Scioscia said. Escobar may not return to the minors for a rehab assignment before being activated. He played two games at Class-A last week before having a setback…

The Angels recalled Eduardo Paredes, increasing their active roster to 32 players. They are likely to call up more players — Jefry Marte and Mike Morin, the most likely among them — in the coming days. Players who are optioned can’t return within 10 days unless they are replacing an injured player.

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[totdprods]

Since the Upton trade, 4 games:
Trout: .375/.545/.563/1.108 with 8 runs, 6 walks, and one strikeout
Upton: .375/.545/.500/1.045 with 5 runs, 6 walks, and 3 strikeouts
Pujols: .556/.600/.611/1.211 with 8 RBI, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts