To cap off a three-game bill that means little to nothing to either club at this point, the Los Angeles Angels will entertain the Oakland Athletics in Anaheim Thursday night.
The Halos are seeking a set sweep against their American League West foes. Let’s take a deep dive into this clash and what the Athletics vs Angels best bets are.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics
A loss for the Athletics (56-99) here would mean the team’s 100th of the year. Hopes weren’t particularly that high going into the campaign, and things played out as expected for Oakland, who will finish in the cellar of the division.
As of right now, 45.5 games separate them and the Houston Astros, who claim supremacy in the grouping. If not for Kansas City and Detroit, the Athletics would have the fewest road wins (30) in the AL.
As for Los Angeles (69-86), things looked to be going well early on. With a pair of the game’s most talented players, it appeared that the Angels would finally put it together and get to the postseason.
Things crashed and burned, though, with a long losing streak that got their manager canned. As of late, they’ve won four of their precious five. The Halos are 35-41 at home in 2022, which speaks to their lack of success.
Angels and Athletics Previous Records
The hosts downed the Athletics, 4-1, on Wednesday. Oakland scored its only run in the top of the first frame, with the Angels’ Mike Trout evening things up in the home fourth.
First baseman Matt Thaiss and third baseman Matt Duffy pushed across runs later in that same half-inning before right fielder Taylor Ward rounded out the scoring with a solo dinger in the bottom of the eighth.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Analysis
Catcher Sean Murphy has been the Athletics’ most dependable performer at the plate. Even then, he only has a .250 batting average. He’s also piled up 66 RBIs and has a .332 on-base percentage right now, too.
Only four members of the lineup:
Murphy
right fielder Ramón Laureano
left fielder Chad Pinder
and first baseman Seth Brown — have belted double-digit home runs this season.
Brown has a team-best 25 long balls, while Laureano is done for the remainder of the schedule with a hamstring ailment.
Mix of Contributions
It’s been a mix of contributions for the Angels. Ward has pinned up a .276 batting average to this point. Trout has sent 38 balls over the outfield fence, and Shohei Ohtani has 93 runs driven in.
The Japanese pitcher-hitter has 34 homers himself, which just goes to show how inept Los Angeles has been with a tandem of generational talents.
It’s clear who has the better order, but how much will it factor into our Athletics vs Angels best bets?
Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Odds Breakdown
Angels Odds Breakdown
Before looking at the Angels stats, it is important to take a look at the betting odds. If you’re planning on making picks, keep in mind that oddsmakers have the Angels at -118 to cover -1.5. They’re -260 favorites on the moneyline, as well.
Athletics Odds Breakdown
You have to have the odds for Athletics predictions. Oakland is a +215 underdog. They’re -102 to cover +1.5.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Pick and Prediction
Man, what a shame it is that baseball fans are robbed of the chance to see Trout and Ohtani play meaningful contests as the weather gets chillier and the seasons change.
Most Profitable Team to Bet On
Ohtani will be the one going to the mound for the Halos. He’s an impressive 14-8 this year with a 2.47 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. His 203 strikeouts are the seventh-most in the league.
It will be a treat to see the MVP candidate do his thing. Meanwhile, Oakland will send out Cole Irvin (9-12, 4.05 ERA).
Without further ado, here are our Athletics vs Angels best bets. Los Angeles will cover while Ohtani limits Oakland.
MLB Pick: Angels -1.5 (-120)
MLB Pick: Under 7 (-105)
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.
