I don’t mean to state the obvious, but the Mariners picked a fantastic time to rip-off a five-game winning streak.
After losing four in a row to begin September, Seattle has been on fire, taking the final two games of a series against the Braves, then sweeping away the Cardinals earlier this week. It’s a jolt of success that’s brought the team just a single game back of the Astros in the AL West — and has kept it ahead of the equally red-hot Rangers.
Will the Angels be able to play spoiler with their divisional foe? Let’s preview this pivotal late-season matchup with the help of some odds and lines on the DraftKings Sportsbook.
Angels vs. Mariners prediction, preview
The Mainers’ rotation has been underwhelming all year long. Part of that is injury. Part of that is poor performance. Bryce Miller is the representation of both. Miller has been limited to 14 starts and 70.0 innings in 2025, yet it’s not like Seattle’s really missed him when he’s been gone or appreciated his efforts while he’s been available. The RHP’s strikeout rate has plummeted (17.4%). His walk rate has skyrocketed (9.5%). He’s allowed opponents to combine for a first percentile average exit velocity (92.4). Put all that together, and you’re left with a starter who has pitched to an ugly 5.53 ERA that is hilariously validated by an identical 5.53 xERA. There’s no way around it. Miller has been bad.
In fact, if there’s any sort of optimism to be had on Thursday in regard to Miller, it is completely due to his matchup. The Angels have been among the worst lineups in baseball over the last 30 days, sitting dead-last in batting average (.211), 27th in wRC+ (27) and leading the league in strikeout rate (28.0%). The other interesting quirk with Los Angeles? How exceedingly right-handed the roster is — especially with Nolan Schanuel on the IL. Heck, all three “lefty” bats currently on the team’s 28-man roster are switch-hitters. That’s great news for Miller, as he’s conceded 1.95 home runs per nine to LHBs in 2025.
Jose Soriano will toe the rubber for the Angels on Thursday, looking to bounce-back from a terrible performance versus the A’s last week, when he surrendered eight earned runs in only 2.1 innings. Really, Soriano’s been “boom or bust” since the beginning of August, as he’s either given up zero runs or at least five runs in his last six outings. However, there may be some reason behind this inconsistency. Soriano’s been far better pitching away from Angel Stadium this season, posting a 2.47 ERA on the road compared to a 5.90 ERA at home. I guess he’ll be happy to be at T-Mobile Park this evening.
Angels vs. Mariners pick, best bet
Best Bet: Bryce Miller 6+ Strikeouts (+113)
At 28.0%, the Angels have the league’s highest strikeout rate across the past 30 days. They’re honestly in their own stratosphere.
Strong Lean: Yoan Moncada 2+ Total Bases (+150)
Moncada has a .250 ISO in his 200 plate appearances as an LHB in 2025. He’s been good when healthy.
