LA ANGELS vs CHICAGO CUBS
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (29-30) at Chicago Cubs (31-26)
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 03 – 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), WGN (Chicago)
LINE: -160
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Angels 2

Oddsmakers currently have the CHICAGO CUBS listed as -160 point favorites versus the LA ANGELS, while the game’s total is sitting at 8.5.

The Chicago Cubs hope to halt their freefall when they host the surging Los Angeles Angels on Monday afternoon for an interleague contest, which is a makeup for the game on April 14 that was postponed due to snow. The Cubs, who have lost six of their last seven, were swept in three games over the weekend at St. Louis after a 2-1 setback Sunday to fall out of first place in the National League Central.

Chicago managed just three hits – failing to score until the ninth inning – on Sunday and totaled just six runs in the series at St. Louis to drop 1 1/2 games behind first-place Milwaukee in the division, but plays the next seven games at home where it is 18-10. Veteran lefty Jon Lester looks to rebound from a rough stretch at the end of May when he takes the mound for the Cubs on Monday and the Angels counter with right-hander Trevor Cahill, who is also hoping to turn things around after an uneven month. Los Angeles can climb back to the .500 mark with a victory after winning seven of its last nine contests, including Sunday’s 13-3 triumph at Seattle, and will play nine in a row at home following the one-game set in the Windy City. David Fletcher had two doubles and a single Sunday to extend his hitting streak to 12 games (21-for-49) while slugger Albert Pujols homered for the second straight day and is one blast from recording 200 in each league.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Trevor Cahill (2-5, 6.92 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (3-4, 3.59)

Cahill hopes to change his fortunes in June after a rough month of May in which he went 1-3 with an 8.22 ERA in five starts across 23 innings. The 31-year-old California native, who has served up 16 homers in 11 starts, allowed six runs on six hits across 4 1/3 innings in a loss at Oakland on Monday. Jason Heyward is 5-for-10 with a homer versus Cahill, who is 3-1 with a 4.00 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against the Cubs.

Lester was rolling along with a 1.16 ERA before struggling mightily in his last three starts while allowing 19 runs (16 earned) across 14 innings combined. The 35-year-old Washington native served up four homers in those three starts after surrendering three in his first 10 outings. Pujols is 5-for-15 with two doubles against Lester, who is 5-4 with a 3.69 ERA in 12 career starts versus the Angels and 26-15 in interleague play.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout is 8-for-14 with a pair of homers and seven RBIs in his last four contests.

2. Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo saw his 13-game hitting streak end on Sunday, but is 22-for-53 with 14 RBIs in the past 14 contests.

3. Angels LF Cesar Puello is 9-for-19 with two homers and six RBIs in four games since being recalled.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Angels 2

The post LA ANGELS vs. CHICAGO CUBS 6/3/2019 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

LA ANGELS vs OAKLAND
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (24-29) at Oakland Athletics (29-25)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 28 – 10:07 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)
LINE:
PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Angels 2

Oddsmakers currently have the OAKLAND listed as point favorites versus the LA ANGELS, while the game’s total is sitting at .

The Houston Astros looked to be separating themselves from the rest of the American League West just two weeks ago, but the Oakland Athletics have quickly closed the gap. The Athletics put their 10-game winning streak on the line Tuesday when they continue their three-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Angels.

Josh Phegley, Jurickson Profar and Matt Chapman each homered and Stephen Piscotty added a two-run double in Monday’s 8-5 victory as Oakland moved a season-high four games over .500 and remained 6 1/2 games back of first-place Houston. Phegley has homered in back-to-back contests and Piscotty has reached base safely in 23 straight games for the power-hitting Athletics, who have gone deep 16 times during their winning streak. The Angels received a solo homer from Albert Pujols but lost for the sixth time in their last eight games after starter Trevor Cahill allowed six runs in 4 1/3 innings. Kole Calhoun doubled twice and has six hits in his last nine at-bats following a 1-for-17 skid.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Nick Tropeano (2018: 5-6, 4.74 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Frankie Montas (6-2, 2.40)

The Angels are expected to use a reliever as an opener in front of Tropeano, who will be promoted from Triple-A Salt Lake after going 1-1 with a 7.66 ERA in five starts for the Bees. The 28-year-old native New Yorker made 14 starts for the Angels last season, finishing with a 5-6 record and 4.74 ERA over 76 innings. Tropeano is pitching for the first time since May 19, when he allowed two runs over five innings in a 9-2 victory over the Las Vegas Aviators.

Montas’ breakout season continued last Wednesday, when he allowed five hits over six shutout frames in a 7-2 win over Cleveland. The 26-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has pitched at least six innings in four straight starts, allowing a total of five runs with 31 strikeouts over that stretch. Calhoun is 4-for-6 with a home run against Montas, who is 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA in four career games (one starts) versus the Angels.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics have a season-high seven-game errorless streak and have made just five errors over the past 20 games.

2. Angels C Jonathan Lucroy (stomach virus) was scratched from Monday’s starting lineup and is listed as day-to-day.

3. The Athletics are 19-1-3 over their last 23 series at Oakland Coliseum.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Angels 2

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LA ANGELS vs OAKLAND
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (24-28) at Oakland Athletics (28-25)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 27 – 4:07 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)
LINE:
PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Angels 3

Oddsmakers currently have the OAKLAND listed as point favorites versus the LA ANGELS, while the game’s total is sitting at .

The Oakland Athletics attempt to push their winning streak into double digits when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Monday afternoon for the opener of their three-game series. Oakland’s string of success reached nine games when it completed a three-game sweep of Seattle with Sunday’s 7-1 triumph.

Josh Phegley went 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs for the Athletics, who also swept a three-game set in Cleveland after winning three straight at Detroit before the finale of the four-game series was suspended with them holding a two-run lead. Phegley is tied with Gary Sanchez of the New York Yankees for the most RBIs among American League catchers (31) and is three shy of matching the career high he set in 2015 with Oakland. Luis Rengifo ignited a six-run rally in the seventh inning with a two-run single as the Angels rallied from a 5-1 deficit on Sunday and held on for a 7-6 triumph – their second straight win following a five-game slide. Rengifo has posted back-to-back two-hit performances and three in his last four contests for Los Angeles, which is beginning an eight-game road trip after going 4-5 on its homestand.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Felix Pena (2-1, 3.22 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (2-1, 2.48)

Pena has followed an “opener” after making four traditional starts to begin the season but worked one inning of scoreless relief in Sunday’s victory over Texas. The 29-year-old Dominican worked five frames in his previous appearance, allowing one run and four hits versus Minnesota on May 20 without receiving a decision. Pena made his season debut in Oakland on March 30, when he yielded four runs and four hits over 3 2/3 innings of a loss that dropped him to 0-2 with an 8.79 ERA in three starts and one relief appearance against the Athletics in his career.

Bassitt escaped with a no-decision at Cleveland on Tuesday after giving up three runs on three hits and six walks across 3 2/3 innings. The 30-year-old native of Ohio was much more effective in his previous turn, scattering four hits over eight scoreless frames in a victory at Detroit. Bassitt has yet to defeat the Angels in his career as he is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts and a pair of relief outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels INF David Fletcher is riding a five-game hitting streak during which he has gone 9-for-19 with a pair of three-hit performances, including one on Sunday.

2. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman has gone 4-for-8 with two homers, three RBIs and three runs over his last two contests.

3. Los Angeles optioned RHP Jaime Barria to Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday to open a roster spot for LHP Andrew Heaney (elbow), who was activated from the injured list and allowed two runs with eight strikeouts in five innings of a no-decision.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Angels 3

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MINNESOTA vs LA ANGELS
GAME: Minnesota Twins (32-16) at Los Angeles Angels (22-26)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 22 – 9:07 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

TV: 9:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS North (Minnesota), FS West (Los Angeles)
LINE: 100
PREDICTION: Twins 6, Angels 4

Oddsmakers currently have the LA ANGELS listed as 100 point favorites versus the MINNESOTA, while the game’s total is sitting at 9.5.

The Minnesota Twins attempt to complete a three-game sweep when they visit the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday for the series finale. Minnesota recorded an 8-3 victory on Tuesday, giving it seven wins in its last eight contests.

Marwin Gonzalez homered and drove in three runs while Jorge Polanco and Eddie Rosario added two RBIs apiece as the Twins improved their impressive road record to 17-8. Rookie Luis Arraez went 2-for-4 with his first career homer and has gone a stellar 7-for-12 with two walks over his first four major-league contests. Los Angeles has scored a total of five runs while dropping three straight games and has lost four of five to Minnesota over the last nine days. Mike Trout belted his 11th homer of the season in Tuesday’s loss while Kole Calhoun has gone hitless in eight at-bats in the series and 0-for-11 with seven strikeouts over his last three games.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Martin Perez (6-1, 2.89 ERA) vs. Angels RH Matt Harvey (2-3, 6.35)

Perez has won five of his last six outings and allowed fewer than two runs in five of his seven starts this season. The 28-year-old defeated Seattle in his last turn as he gave up one run and five hits over 6 2/3 innings. Perez is 4-5 with a 4.34 ERA in 17 career appearances (13 starts) against the Angels and has struggled with Albert Pujols (10-for-27, one homer).

Harvey prevailed over Kansas City in his last turn as he gave up two runs and four hits over five innings. The 30-year-old has worked failed to work more than five frames in six of his last eight turns but has given up fewer than six hits in each of his last six outings. Harvey beat the Twins in his lone career start against them as he gave up one run and two hits over eight innings in 2013 as a member of the New York Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels SS Andrelton Simmons (ankle) was placed on the 10-day injured list and INF Luis Rengifo was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake.

2. Minnesota will release RHP Addison Reed once he clears waivers, as the team designated him for assignment on Thursday.

3. Los Angeles DH Shohei Ohtani (finger) went 1-for-4 one day after avoiding injury, while C Kevan Smith (head) took a foul tip to the mask in the fourth inning and exited one frame later.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Angels 4

The post MINNESOTA vs. LA ANGELS 5/22/2019 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

MINNESOTA vs LA ANGELS
GAME: Minnesota Twins (31-16) at Los Angeles Angels (22-25)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 21 – 10:07 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS West (Los Angeles)
LINE: -115
PREDICTION: Twins 6, Angels 4

Oddsmakers currently have the LA ANGELS listed as -115 point favorites versus the MINNESOTA, while the game’s total is sitting at 9.

Miguel Sano is displaying signs that he could be finding his former All-Star form as the Minnesota Twins enter Tuesday’s contest against the host Los Angeles Angels. The 26-year-old Dominican slugged a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning on Monday as the Twins posted a 3-1 triumph in the opener of the three-game series.

Sano has belted two homers in five games since his return from a right heel injury, and his game-winning blast was a powerful shot into the stands in right-center field. He swatted 25 home runs in 2016 and topped that total the following season, when he hit a career-best 28 while making the American League All-Star squad. Minnesota has prevailed in six of its last seven games while the Angels have scored a total of two runs while losing back-to-back games. Mike Trout was hitless in four at-bats in the series opener and has gone seven contests without a homer.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Michael Pineda (3-3, 5.55 ERA) vs. Angels RH Trevor Cahill (2-4, 6.95)

Pineda ended his five-start winless streak last time out by allowing three runs and five hits over seven innings in a win over Seattle. The 30-year-old has had issues keeping the ball in the park, as his 13 homers allowed are one shy of being tied for most in the majors. Pineda is 1-1 with a 6.08 ERA in four career outings against the Angels and has struggled with Albert Pujols (4-for-9).

Cahill was roughed up for six runs and six hits over 4 1/3 innings in his last turn as he lost to the Twins in Minneapolis. The 31-year-old has pitched 44 innings and is among the players who have served up 14 blasts – a vast departure from last season, when he allowed just eight in 110 frames. Cahill is 1-4 with a 6.00 ERA in nine career appearances (seven starts) against Minnesota and gave up a homer to Byron Buxton in Wednesday’s outing.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels SS Andrelton Simmons (ankle) departed in the eighth inning on Monday after awkwardly hitting first base on an infield out, but MGR Brad Ausmus said X-rays were negative and that he will undergo an MRI on Tuesday.

2. Minnesota rookie INF Luis Arraez went 3-for-4 on Monday and is 5-for-8 in three major-league contests.

3. Los Angeles DH Shohei Ohtani (hand) was hit while swinging and missing for a strikeout in the eighth inning, and Ausmus said X-rays were negative with no further testing currently in the plans.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Angels 4

The post MINNESOTA vs. LA ANGELS 5/21/2019 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

MINNESOTA vs LA ANGELS
GAME: Minnesota Twins (30-16) at Los Angeles Angels (22-24)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 20 – 10:07 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS West (Los Angeles)
LINE:
PREDICTION: Angels 5, Twins 3

Oddsmakers currently have the LA ANGELS listed as point favorites versus the MINNESOTA, while the game’s total is sitting at .

The Los Angeles Angels were successful in ending Jake Odorizzi’s run of scoreless innings at 22 in last week’s encounter, however the right-hander was able to pick up his sixth straight win following a wild 8-7 victory. The Angels aim to get the better of Odorizzi on Monday when they open a three-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins.

Mike Trout had a pair of hits in Los Angeles’ 5-1 loss to Kansas City on Sunday to improve to 10-for-24 with two homers, three RBIs and six runs scored in his last seven games. The two-time American League Most Valuable Player, who is 5-for-10 in his career versus Odorizzi, went 4-for-13 as the Angels lost two of three to the Twins last week. Minnesota saw its bid for a four-game sweep of Seattle go by the boards on Sunday, despite a four-hit performance by Jorge Polanco. The 25-year-old has scored six times during his seven-game hitting streak, with five hits and three runs scored coming against Los Angeles.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (6-2, 2.63 ERA) vs. Angels RH Taylor Cole (0-0, 4.91)

Odorizzi overcame Tommy La Stella’s solo homer and Jonathan Lucroy’s two-run blast in the meeting with Los Angeles on Wednesday, although the nine hits he allowed were more than the sum of his previous three starts (seven). The 29-year-old has split four decisions on the road with a 4.76 ERA, as opposed to a 4-0 mark with a 1.45 ERA at home. Albert Pujols is 0-for-10 with three strikeouts against Odorizzi, who sports a 1-3 record with a 5.87 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in six career starts against the Angels.

Cole is expected to serve as the “opener” and make his second appearance versus Minnesota, against which he struck out four and tossed two scoreless innings in a no-decision last Tuesday. The 29-year-old is expected to give way to Felix Pena (2-1, 3.49 ERA), who reportedly has grown comfortable in this role and collected 37 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings this season. Pena allowed three runs on five hits over five innings against the Twins on Tuesday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota LF Eddie Rosario had four hits and two RBIs in the previous series with Los Angeles.

2. Angels C Kevan Smith, who reached base three times on Sunday, is riding a five-game hitting streak.

3. Minnesota CF Byron Buxton is just 2-for-11 in his last three contests following his six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Angels 5, Twins 3

The post MINNESOTA vs. LA ANGELS 5/20/2019 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

KANSAS CITY vs LA ANGELS
GAME: Kansas City Royals (15-29) at Los Angeles Angels (20-23)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 17 – 10:07 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS West (Los Angeles)
LINE: -135
PREDICTION: Angels 5, Royals 2

Oddsmakers currently have the LA ANGELS listed as -135 point favorites versus the KANSAS CITY, while the game’s total is sitting at 9.5.

The Los Angeles Angels began their nine-game road trip with a flourish, scoring 36 runs to win four of the first five contests before surrendering 21 to lose three of their last four. The Angels look to regain their footing on Friday when they begin a nine-game homestand with the opener of a three-game series versus the Kansas City Royals, who are an American League-worst 5-14 on the road.

Los Angeles erupted for a season-high 18 hits in Wednesday’s 8-7 setback in Minnesota, although the club was done in by going 3-for-17 with runners in scoring position and leaving 14 runners on base. Tommy La Stella collected four hits in that contest and is batting .367 in his last 20 games, including a 2-for-3 performance with a two-run single in the fourth inning of a 9-4 loss to at Kansas City on April 27. The Royals fell for the ninth time in 13 contests on Thursday afternoon, when they surrendered five homers in a 16-1 shellacking by Texas. Top prospect Nicky Lopez collected two hits and improved to 5-for-11 with three doubles and two runs scored in three games since being recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (2-4, 4.47 ERA) vs. Angels RH Matt Harvey (1-3, 6.69)

Keller fell to 0-3 in his last four starts after allowing a season-high six runs on five hits in five innings of a 7-0 setback versus Philadelphia on Saturday. The 23-year-old has struggled with his command throughout 2019, issuing four walks in that contest to boost that total to a team-high 32 in nine outings while also hitting a batter and throwing a wild pitch in five-plus innings. Keller will attempt to end a string of eight straight starts with at least three walks on Friday when he faces Los Angeles, against which he is 1-1 with a 1.46 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in three career appearances (two starts).

Harvey recorded his lone win of the season on April 28 versus Kansas City, against which he allowed one run on two hits in seven strong innings of a 7-3 victory. The 30-year-old has answered that outing by failing to get past the fifth in two straight trips to the mound, including a no-decision at Baltimore on Saturday. Harvey is just 0-2 with a bloated 9.95 ERA at home while allowing the opposition to belt five homers and bat .321 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City 3B Hunter Dozier went 6-for-12 with two triples and five RBIs in the previous series with Los Angeles.

2. Angels OF Mike Trout went 4-for-13 with three runs scored in the previous set versus the Royals.

3. Kansas City 2B Adalberto Mondesi has five hits and three RBIs in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Angels 5, Royals 2

The post KANSAS CITY vs. LA ANGELS 5/17/2019 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

LA ANGELS vs MINNESOTA
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (19-21) at Minnesota Twins (25-14)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 13 – 7:40 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota

TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS North (Minnesota)
LINE: -155
PREDICTION: Twins 6, Angels 2

Oddsmakers currently have the MINNESOTA listed as -155 point favorites versus the LA ANGELS, while the game’s total is sitting at 8.5.

The Minnesota Twins own the best record in baseball but are coming off a disappointing four-game split with the Detroit Tigers to begin a seven-game homestand. The Twins will try to bounce back when they open a three-game series on Monday against the Los Angeles Angels, who are making the final stop on a nine-game trip.

Minnesota let a late rally fizzle on Sunday and fell 5-3 in the series finale against the Tigers but are winners of 12 of its last 17 as the homer-heavy offense supports a solid rotation. The Twins pounded one homer in Sunday’s setback but lost one of their biggest bats when slugging designated hitter Nelson Cruz went down with a wrist injury. The Angels had a chance to reach .500 on Sunday but were denied a three-game sweep at Baltimore when Mike Trout’s solo blast accounted for the lone run in a 5-1 setback. Los Angeles could have a hard time scoring again with Twins righty Jose Berrios on the mound while it counters with left-hander Tyler Skaggs.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (3-3, 4.70 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jose Berrios (6-1, 2.53)

Skaggs was ripped for eight runs – seven earned – and eight hits to suffer a loss at Detroit on Wednesday. The 27-year-old issued a pair of walks in that outing and is up to eight free passes in 15 2/3 total innings over three starts since coming off the injured list. Skaggs started at Minnesota on June 9 last season and scattered one run and five hits over seven innings to earn a win.

Berrios breezed through seven scoreless innings at Toronto on Tuesday to earn his fifth straight win and post his seventh quality start in eight outings. The 24-year-old is up to 51 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings and did not issue a walk in any of his last three turns. Berrios lost his lone start against Los Angeles last season, serving up five runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Trout homered twice in three games at Baltimore, bringing his season total to nine.

2. Cruz will be evaluated on Monday and is day-to-day.

3. Los Angeles on Sunday released OF Peter Bourjos, who cleared waivers after being designated for assignment.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Angels 2

The post LA ANGELS vs. MINNESOTA 5/13/2019 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

LA ANGELS vs BALTIMORE
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (19-20) at Baltimore Orioles (13-26)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 12 – 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), MASN (Baltimore)
LINE: 130
PREDICTION: Angels 2, Orioles 1

Oddsmakers currently have the BALTIMORE listed as 130 point favorites versus the LA ANGELS, while the game’s total is sitting at 9.5.

Albert Pujols is far removed from his peak as the best player in baseball, but he is still capable of putting on some impressive performances. Pujols will try to continue making history and lead the Los Angeles Angels to a three-game sweep when they visit the Baltimore Orioles for the series finale on Sunday.

Pujols became the fourth player in history to reach 2,000 RBIs for his career on Thursday and, after sitting out Friday to rest, went 3-for-5 with a pair of home runs on Saturday to lead the Angels to a 7-2 victory. The three hits moved Pujols into a tie for 21st on the all-time list with Hall of Famer Dave Winfield (3,110) while the two homers moved him within 19 of tying Willie Mays (660) for fifth on the all-time list. The Orioles (13-26) are losers of four in a row and own the worst record in the American League after falling to 5-15 at home with Saturday’s setback. Baltimore will try to avoid the sweep behind left-hander John Means while Los Angeles counters with rookie righty Griffin Canning.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Griffin Canning (1-0, 4.66 ERA) Vs. Orioles LH John Means (4-3, 2.48)

Canning earned his first major league win at Detroit on Tuesday, allowing two runs and four hits over 5 1/3 innings while striking out seven in his second career start. The 22-year-old owns 13 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings but was held under 90 pitches in each of his first two outings. Canning posted a 0.56 ERA in three starts for Triple-A Salt Lake before being recalled.

Means is settling into the Baltimore rotation and held the Boston Red Sox to one run and three hits over seven innings on Monday to earn his third win in his last four outings. The 26-year-old rookie has allowed one or no earned runs in eight of his nine appearances and owns 29 strikeouts across 32 2/3 innings. Means is 2-1 with a 1.56 ERA in five games – three starts – at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles recalled RHP Jimmy Yacabonis and optioned RHP Evan Phillips to Triple-A Norfolk prior to Saturday’s contest and Yacabonis allowed one run in two innings of relief in the setback.

2. Los Angeles traded RHP Chris Stratton to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations.

3. Baltimore LF Dwight Smith Jr. belted his seventh homer on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Angels 2, Orioles 1

The post LA ANGELS vs. BALTIMORE 5/12/2019 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (75-79) at Houston Astros (96-57)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 22 – 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas

TV: 7:10 PM
LINE: -280
PREDICTION: HOUSTON , LA ANGELS

Oddsmakers currently have the HOUSTON listed as -280 point favorites versus the LA ANGELS, while the game’s total is sitting at 7.5.

The Houston Astros have clinched a playoff berth and will continue to work on capturing the American League West crown when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. The Astros wrapped up the postseason spot with an 11-3 trouncing of the Angels on Friday, maintaining their 3 1/2-game lead over Oakland in the division race.

Yuli Gurriel belted two homers – including a grand slam – and drove in a career-best seven runs while George Springer added a three-run blast for Houston. Astros ace Justin Verlander will be on the mound Saturday after losing his last turn against the Angels but is 4-1 with a 2.16 ERA in five meetings this season. Los Angeles’ pitching staff is leaving a lot to be desired as the club has been outscored 42-6 during its three-game losing streak. Superstar Mike Trout slugged his 37th homer of the campaign – and fourth in five games – as he chases the second 40-blast season of his career.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jaime Barria (10-9, 3.61 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (16-9, 2.67)

Barria lost to Seattle in his last turn as he gave up three runs and six hits over five innings. The 22-year-old Panamanian has won his last two road outings and has a streak of 15 straight scoreless frames in contests away from home. Barria scattered three hits over six scoreless innings in a victory at Houston on Aug. 31 and is 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in three starts against the club.

Verlander has won three consecutive starts and five of his last six. The 35-year-old has registered 40 strikeouts while issuing just five walks in 26 1/3 innings over his last four turns. Verlander lost to the Angels on Aug. 30, when he gave up three runs and five hits over 5 1/3 frames, and is 12-9 with a 3.12 ERA in 24 career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) will return to the team on Saturday and be used out of the bullpen.

2. Los Angeles RF Kole Calhoun was hitless in four at-bats in the series opener and is 1-for-34 over his last nine contests.

3. Houston SS Carlos Correa (back) will miss the entire series against the Angels and is expected to return next week.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Angels 3

The post LA ANGELS vs. HOUSTON 9/22/2018 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.