Bryan Armetta offers up a preview, prediction and pick for Wednesday’s MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Angels (30-44) are a mess, stuck in last place in the AL West. However, Los Angeles has won five of its last seven games, slowly creeping towards respectability. This afternoon, the Halos will go for a series win in a rubber match with the Diamondbacks (37-36). Arizona, hovering just above .500, remains a factor in the National League postseason race. Can the Snakes avoid a disappointing defeat at home on Wednesday?
The Diamondbacks are favorites (-172) over the Angels, with the over/under set at nine runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Wednesday’s interleague showdown between Los Angeles and Arizona on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Taking the hill for the visitors in this one will be Sam Aldegheri. The converted reliever made his second start of the season last week, allowing one run over five innings vs. Tampa Bay. On the year, he’s notched a 2.12 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 12 strikeouts (6.4 K/9) over 17.0 frames. The right-hander is a true three-pitch hurler; he utilizes the fastball (42%), changeup (33%) and cutter (16%). That’s fine out of the pen, but a bit of variation might be needed in the rotation. Against the Rays, Aldegheri stuck to the game plan, other than four curveballs.
If you had to face a decent Arizona club on the road, now would be the time. The Diamondbacks have scored 27 runs over their last ten games, tied with Cleveland for the lowest mark in baseball during that stretch. Getting on base has been the biggest issue for this group so far. The Snakes are 24th in batting average (.236) and 27th in on-base percentage (.305). Granted, sleep on this squad at your own risk. Corbin Carroll remains a terror at the plate; he’s slashing .277/.367/.535 with 12 home runs and nine steals. Fellow All-Star Ketel Marte has had a down year, but he remains one of the sport’s premier second basemen.
As for the home team, it’ll be Eduardo Rodriguez on the bump this evening. A bounce-back campaign was interrupted last week in disappointing fashion. The veteran only managed to toss 2.2 innings before getting pulled against Cincinnati. Regardless, E-Rod has been a stabilizing force on the mound for Arizona. Over 14 starts (81.1 IP), the southpaw has notched a 2.55 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 60 strikeouts (6.6 K/9). Granted, some regression is likely inevitable. Rodriguez owns a 4.82 xERA and .264 xBA. Still, he’s been far more effective at Chase Field (1.93 ERA) than he has been on the road (3.38 ERA).
It’s worth noting that the Angels do have some bats in their lineup. The team ranks 14th in runs scored (333) and home runs (85). However, a .235 expected batting average and 37.1% hard-hit rate highlights their inconsistent contact skills. Rodriguez has done a good job at limiting the long ball (0.9 HR/9). For a Halos offense that depends heavily on homers, that’s not ideal. Much like Aldegheri, E-Rod relies heavily on the changeup (28%). Los Angeles hitters are batting .182 against that pitch this season.
Rodriguez looked shaky last week; could he be coming back down to Earth? Maybe, but I’m willing to bet the veteran staves off regression for one more start. After all, his changeup-heavy approach should keep Los Angeles’ hitters off balance. As for the Angels, Aldegheri has been a quality arm all season. Even if he struggles with length, the Diamondbacks aren’t the most intimidating opponent. Arizona’s slumping offense shouldn’t be trusted in any capacity.
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