Angels Opponent Gets Massive All-Star Reinforcement Ahead of Friday’s Game

Valentina Martinez | Apr 25, 2025

Mar 27, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez (49) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images / Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Angels face the Minnesota Twins Friday. The Halos are looking to rise above .500 with a victory over Minnesota, but that should prove to be a challenge as the Twins activated right-hander Pablo Lopez from the injured list to start Friday's game.

More news: MLB Suspends Pirates’ Tommy Pham After Making Obscene Gesture at Angels Fan

Lopez was placed on the 15-day IL with a right hamstring strain on April 11. Now, the All-Star will make his return to the mound against the Angels.

The 29-year-old is 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA, 14 strikeouts, and two walks through three starts this season. Lopez has been extremely effective for the Twins early this year, which is bad news for an Angels lineup that is in the midst of concerning struggles.

The last 12 games have featured an ugly stat line from Halos hitters, who have struck out 131 times and have drawn only 15 walks. They Angels exceeded four runs just once in this last stretch of games.

Nevertheless, manager Ron Washington is confident the Angels lineup will snap out of the slump.

“They’re confident,” Washington said. “They’re not down on themselves. They know they’re better than what they’re showing, and I know they’re better than what they’re showing. So all we’ll do is keep grinding. We’re only in the first month. If we can get it out right now, I’m good with that. And then we can do what we have to do the rest of the way. We’re just in an offensive funk. It is up and down the lineup, not in one area.”

More news: When Can Angels Panic About Mike Trout's Struggles? Ron Washington Answers

This story will be updated...