:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46513726/GettyImages-472292184.0.jpg)
Albert Pujols is a menace.
In his first seven games of the month of June, the Los Angeles Angels' first baseman has hit five home runs to go along with a triple slash of .414/.452/.966.
Unfortunately for the Tampa Bay Rays, the team has been the victim in four of those seven games. In four games against the Rays this month, Pujols is 9 for 18 with four home runs and a double.
Even Chris Archer, in his 15-strikeout performance against the Angels on June 2, was unable to escape the wrath of the machine.
In tonight's game, the Rays give the ball to Erasmo Ramirez in hopes that he can avoid the sweet spot of Pujols' bat and help them get back on track after last night's loss.
Jered Weaver gets the start for the Angels. First pitch is at 7:10.
Today's Lineups:
--Albert Pujols' home run last night tied Mickey Mantle for 16th on the all-time home run list with 536.
--Nick Franklin makes his third career start at first base.
--Asdrubal Cabrera is a 12 for 40 (.300) lifetime against Weaver. He has also hit two home runs and four doubles.
--David DeJesus is 12 for 46 (.261) lifetime against Weaver. DeJesus has also taken Weaver deep twice.
--Erasmo Ramirez has not given up a home run to Albert Pujols in six career at-bats.
Bullpen Availability:
| Pitcher | Sunday Pitch Count | Monday Pitch Count | Tuesday Pitch Count |
| Brad Boxberger | 0 | -- | 0 |
| Xavier Cedeno | 0 | -- | 0 |
| Steve Geltz | 0 | -- | 7 |
| Brandon Gomes | 0 | -- | 0 |
| Preston Guilmet | -- | -- | -- |
| Kevin Jespen | 17 | -- | 0 |
| Jake McGee | 16 | -- | 0 |
--Enny Romero was optioned to Triple-A after his 58 pitch outing last night. Preston Guilmet has taken his place.
The Book on Jered Weaver:
| PITCH | VELOCITY | FREQUENCY | vs LHB | vs RHB |
| Fourseam | 85.18 mph | 8.11% vs LHB / 45.71% vs RHB | Up and away | Outer half of the plate; above the strike zone |
| Sinker | 84.03 mph | 43.05% vs LHB / 2.86% vs RHB | All over the place | Inside. Rarely in the strike zone. |
| Change | 75.77 mph | 23.18% vs LHB / 13.52% vs RHB | Low and away; usually out of the strike zone | Bottom of the strike zone; often out of the strike zone |
| Slider | 77.34 mph | 4.47% vs LHB / 15.62% vs RHB | Low, inside corner | Low, outside corner; it is almost always just outside the strike zone |
| Curve | 68.20 mph | 21.19 % vs LHB / 22.10% vs RHB | Middle and away. |
Lower half of the zone. |
Jered Weaver is easily having the worst season of his career.
In his first twelve starts of the 2015 season, the South California native has posted a 4.60 ERA and a 4.74 FIP.
Weaver has induced ground balls at a career high rate and surrendered fly balls at a career low rate. However, the right-handed pitcher is on pace to allow the most home runs of his career. In 76.1 innings, Weaver has allowed 1.53 home runs per nine innings; third highest rate in the American League.
Although his walk rate (1.18 BB/9) is the lowest of his career, Weaver's strikeout rate has also never been lower. The 32-year-old has only struck out 4.72 batters per nine innings this season; a far cry from his 7.37 K/9 career mark.
Weaver's career low strikeout rate and career high home run rate comes during a season when his velocity has never been lower. Since last season, he has lost more than two miles per hour on his fourseam, sinker, change, and slider and just a bit under two miles per hour on his curve.
Other Notes:
--Too good not to post:
--A slew of injury updates from Marc Topkin:
#Rays say Jennings had surgery on left knee in Colorado, issue was thickening of tissue around knee. Unclear when he will return
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 10, 2015
#Rays reinstated Yates (pec strain) from DL and optioned him to Durham
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 10, 2015
#Rays Moore said he felt good last night, close to normal with pitches. Velocity was 90-93. Is there more to come? "I hope so."
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 10, 2015