Only a few games separate the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels in the standings. But a massive gulf sits between them.
Seattle is making a serious playoff push this season. It’s already spent at the deadline to make upgrades, acquiring first baseman Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks. With Cal Raleigh putting together an all-time season, the Mariners are expected to make some moves to position themselves for October.
The Angels, despite being five games back of their AL West counterparts, are moving in another direction. They’re expected to sell off their impending free agents, including third baseman Yoan Moncada, infielder Luis Rengifo, closer Kenley Jansen, and today’s starting pitcher, Tyler Anderson. Death, taxes, and a lost season for the Angels with Mike Trout around.
Seattle is a -137 road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook for Saturday’s game. The total is set at 8.5 runs. Let’s preview this game before getting into my favorite pick.
Mariners at Angels prediction, preview
Saturday’s matchup presents a fascinating pitching matchup for a few reasons.
The Mariners send George Kirby to the mound. The 27-year-old was regarded as one of the best young starters in baseball, having put together excellent 2023 and 2024 campaigns. But he hasn’t been able to find himself this year. His breaking ball has taken a dive in value, and his expected batting average against has jumped from .236 to .262. The fastball has kept him alive, but he’s on the hunt for better results with everything else.
Meanwhile, Anderson is likely making his last start in Los Angeles. He’s also regressing hard after a strong 2024 campaign. No off-speed pitch was tougher to hit than Anderson’s changeup last season; now, hitters are seeing it like a beach ball. He still doesn’t allow much hard contact, but more of it is going in the air. He should fetch a prospect or two at the deadline, but GM Perry Minasian might be kicking himself for not selling high at the deadline.
Despite the struggles of both, I lean heavily in favor of Kirby in this matchup. He’s got the strikeout stuff that this Angels lineup is susceptible to. Anderson’s matchup isn’t as favorable; a home run-prone pitcher facing this Mariners lineup does not bode well. The superior pitching matchup and a better lineup tilts this heavily in favor of Seattle.
