Bryan Armetta offers up a preview, prediction and pick for Saturday’s MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and Athletics.
In the AL West, anything is possible. Well, maybe not a division title for the Angels (30-47). As for their in-state rivals, the Athletics (38-38) remain firmly in contention for a postseason spot as we near the season’s halfway point. Which of these two clubs has the edge going into Saturday’s matchup?
The Athletics are favorites (-171) over the Angels, with the over/under set at 9.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday’s showdown between the Angels and A’s on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Despite the reputation on both sides for lackluster pitching, this is a solid matchup on paper. Toeing the slab for the Angels tonight will be Walbert Urena. The rookie has been a pleasant surprise, emerging as one of the more consistent players on this roster. Through 62.1 innings of work, he’s posted a 2.60 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 58 strikeouts (8.4 K/9). The Dominican does give up too many free passes (5.1 BB/9). However, he also does a solid job at preventing homers (0.7 HR/9). That’s key in most matchups, especially a hitter’s haven such as Sutter Health Park.
Granted, slowing down this lineup won’t be easy. The Athletics are on a roll, having scored an MLB-best 70 runs over their last ten contests. As a unit, the team is third in home runs (104) and third in OPS (.755). Those numbers are even better when playing in the friendly confines of Sacramento. Still, Urena sits within the 80th percentile in hard-hit rate (33.1%), ground ball rate (52.0%) and average exit velocity (87.2 MPH). If the youngster doesn’t beat himself, there’s a decent chance he holds his own tonight.
Finding success at such a hitter-friendly environment can prove difficult for most pitchers. All things considered, J.T. Ginn has done a stellar job. On the season, he’s notched a 2.91 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 68 strikeouts (7.9 K/9). When pitching at home, the right-hander has delivered a respectable 3.99 ERA. Much like Urena, his best trait is an ability to keep the ball on the ground and limit hard contact. Ginn’s stuff isn’t as dynamic, but he’s far less prone to handing out walks.
The Angels aren’t complete pushovers at the plate. However, this group’s biggest strength is the long ball. Los Angeles has smacked 91 home runs, 12th-most in the majors. With that being said, the team is 21st in batting average (.238) and 30th in strikeouts per game (9.45). Ginn has allowed just three earned runs over his last two games against the Halos (2.08 ERA). That includes an eight-inning, two-hit gem on May 18th. A repeat performance is wishful thinking, but he’s done well against Mike Trout and company.
Both pitchers taking the mound tonight have a fairly solid track record. To boot, they keep the ball on the ground which should limit home runs. With respect to these offenses, especially a red-hot A’s lineup, ten runs is a tad ambitious tonight.
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