Angels vs. Tigers MLB Odds, Picks, Predictions: Why Los Angeles is Safe Play (Sunday, August 21)

Angels vs. Tigers Odds

The scuffling Tigers look to take the series victory over the Angels on Sunday.

Shohei Ohtani stands in the Tigers' way, as he'll get the start for the Halos. Meanwhile, Eduardo Rodriguez will make his first start since stepping away from the Tigers in May.

Both teams are struggling, as they are both at — or near — the bottom of their respective divisions. The Angels are 5-5 over their last 10, while the Tigers are 3-7 in their last 10.

Welcome Back Mike Trout

The Angels saw the return of Mike Trout this weekend, so, of course, they won the first game 1-0 and lost the second game 4-3. Everything is back to normal.

However, there's no denying that Trout's presence greatly improves the Angels' offense.

Their offense has been well below league average against LHP over the past month, and Trout's presence in the lineup should help them immensely.

Trout has destroyed LHP all season, and although he has just one hit since his return to the lineup, he'll hopefully get things going against Rodriguez.

Ohtani gets the start for the Angels, and he's been excellent on the mound this season. He has a road ERA just over three and a FIP and xFIP under three.

It could be argued that he's been just as — or more — valuable on the mound for the Angels this season as he has been at the plate.

Rodriguez Returns for Tigers

The Tigers are entering a new era, but unfortunately, they still have the same team for the time being.

Offensively, they are second-worst in the league against RHP at home over the past two weeks, and they've been one of the worst units in the league, in general, all season.

Rodriguez will make his first start since May 18 after leaving the Tigers to attend to personal issues. Whether those issues are behind him or not is not our business, but if Rodriguez returns to the form he displayed over the last three starts before his departure, he could be a solid contributor.

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Angels-Tigers Pick

This is a weird matchup because who knows what Rodriguez will bring to the mound on Sunday.

However, the Angels still have a clear edge in the starting pitching department. Ohtani has been excellent, and he's improved immensely on the road.

Considering Trout is back in the lineup, and the Angels were able to get on the board early in the first two games, the first five innings at -0.5 may be the best move here.

The odds sit at -125, and this would factor out the Angels' atrocious bullpen. I think it's safe to back Ohtani and the Angels in this matchup, and you can play this to -140.

However, the Angels' offense has not been reliable enough to take the risk of -1.5. Stay conservative and just take -0.5.

Pick: Angels F5 -0.5 (-125)