Will Yasiel Puig save the Dodgers? Who will save the Angels?

Join Times Dodgers writer Dylan Hernandez and Angels writer Mike DiGiovanna at 11:30 a.m. today as they discuss their respective teams in a live video chat.

The big talk today: The sterling debut of Yasiel Puig for the Dodgers, and the embarrassing four-game sweep of the Angels by the Houston Astros.

Hernandez wrote the following about Puig,

“The throw was a like a thunderbolt from right field, a gift from the baseball gods to the fans who continue to support the most expensive last-place team in history.

“In a single moment of physical brilliance, Yasiel Puig electrified Dodger Stadium like no other player has this season.

“Catching a deep drive by Kyle Blanks at the warning track, Puig fired a missile into Adrian Gonzalez‘s extended glove at first base on the fly, doubling off Chris Denorfia for the final out in the Dodgers’ 2-1 victory over the San Diego Padres.

“It is Hollywood,” Manager Don Mattingly said.”

As for the Angels, Bill Shaikin wrote,

“The Oakland Athletics are 9-0 against the Astros. The Angels are 3-7 against the Astros.

“That was the dismal bottom line from the Angels’ 2-1 loss to Houston on Monday, before the smallest crowd at Angel Stadium this season. The Angels announced they had sold 30,010 tickets, and the place was pretty lifeless for most of the evening.

“And why not? The Astros might be on pace to lose 103 games, but the Angels are on pace to lose 92. That’s $1.6 million per loss for the Angels — and $200,000 per loss for the Astros.

“Manager Mike Scioscia kept the clubhouse doors closed until 27 minutes after the game, so he could hold a team meeting.

“We need to come out tomorrow with fire and a sense of urgency,” Scioscia said.”