Astros vs Angels Prediction and Betting Odds April 20
Astros vs Angels Betting Preview
The Mariners are 4-1 since starting the season 2-4 as they attempt to take the second game of their three game series with the Rangers. WagerTalk MLB analyst Brian Ochsner offers his Houston Astros vs Los Angeles Angels betting preview for tonight, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:40pm ET / 3:40pm PT.
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| Wednesday, April 20 | MLB Betting Notes, Courtesy of Caesars |
|---|---|
| Moneyline: | Houston Astros +110 vs Los Angeles Angels -120 |
| Runline: | Astors +1.5 (-155) / Angels -1.5 (+135) |
| Total: | 8.5 Runs (Over -115 / Under -105) |
| Game Time: | 6:40pm ET / 3:40pm PT |
| Where: | Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX |
| Weather: | 76 Degrees / Clear |
Astros vs Angels Analysis
The Los Angeles Angels take on the Houston Astros for the last of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park, with Shohei Ohtani going against Jake Odorizzi. Houston took the first game on Monday 8-3, while LA came back to take Game 2 by a score of 7-2.
Ohtani Continuing to Pull Double Duty
Ohtani has one good start and a bad start on the mound to begin the 2022 campaign. In his opener, he pitched well against the Astros, giving up just one earned run in 4.2 innings, striking out nine and walking one.
But in the second game, the wheels fell off in a forgettable outing in Arlington against the Rangers. He surrendered six earned runs and six hits in 3.2 innings, walked two and struck out five.
The Angels pitching staff has gotten off to a slow start, with a 23rd-best ERA of 4.50, but a 12th-best WHIP of 1.23. This means if they maintain or improve their WHIP number, we should see a positive regression (meaning a lower) staff ERA going forward.
Even with Mike Trout missing a few games, the Angels have put up plenty of offense. The Halos have a 5th-best OPS at .769, and tied with the Dodgers and Mets for 2nd-most runs scored with 59. In yesterday’s 7-2 win, they touched up Houston starter Framber Valdez – one of the Astros best pitchers – for six earned runs and eight hits in just 4.1 innings.
While the bullpen held LA to just one run for the rest of the game, it should be a confidence-builder for the Angels hitters going into today’s action. Now they face a less-effective pitcher in Odorizzi they should be able to touch up for at least 2-3 runs.
Astros Need Improvement From Odorizzi
Jake Odorizzi has also had a rough start to the season, with a 6.48 ERA and a WHIP of 2.04, giving up 14 hits in just 8.1 innings of work. It is a small sample size and early in the season (with a shortened spring training), so we shouldn’t hit the panic button on the veteran right-hander yet.
His career numbers are pretty solid with a 3.97 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and striking out just under one batter per inning.
The Astros find themselves right in the middle of major league teams, ranking 15th in both team ERA and OPS. They haven’t scored a lot of runs, only plating over four runs in just two games.
Again, it’s still early in the season and it’s taken most hitters more time to find their swing with the shortened spring training. But I’d keep an eye on the Astros run production over the next few weeks.
Astros vs Angels Prediction
The Angels have the starting pitching edge with Ohtani against Odorizzi, although it’s Showtime’s second game against the Astros in just two weeks, and based on his career numbers, Odorizzi is due for some positive regression.
However, Los Angeles has shown more production at the plate to start the 2022 season. That’s why I’ll take the Angels on the Moneyline.
Prediction: Los Angeles Angels Moneyline
Interested in placing a bet on Wednesday’s Mariners vs Rangers American League clash? Caesars Sports is offering up to a $1,500 match bet for first-time deposits in New Jersey, West Virginia, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Virginia, Tennessee, Arizona, New York and Louisiana.
First Pitch | MLB Betting Preview for April 20
Join Drew Martin and a rotating panel of guests for First Pitch as we break down the daily baseball slate from a betting perspective. The Braves were able to come away with a 3-1 win over the Dodgers last night behind a gem from Max Fried. Who will come away with the series win after today’s game? Join WagerTalk’s team of MLB betting experts every weekday at 1:45pm ET / 10:45am PT for First Pitch as we discuss the baseball betting slate.
WagerTalk Live Odds Screen
WagerTalk’s Live Odds Screen features up-to-the-minute lines from a variety of offshore and domestic sports books. Track the MLB moneylines, run lines and betting percentages for all of Wednesday’s baseball games, including this Astros vs Angels showdown, from your desktop or phone.
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Meet the Author
Brian Ochsner graduated from Kansas State University with degrees in Accounting and Agribusiness. He’s a life-long baseball fan and “numbers guy” who tolerates the Colorado Rockies (bad ownership), and is a Denver Broncos and Kansas State Wildcats fan. Along with his interest in the sports wagering industry, he enjoys eating good BBQ, reading books on marketing, finance and economics, and playing Texas Hold ‘Em poker.
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