Angels vs Yankees Odds
| Angels Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Over/Under | Run Line |
+115 | 9 -120 / -102 | +1.5 -172 |
| Yankees Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Over/Under | Run Line |
| -135 | 9 -120 / -102 | -1.5 +142 |
After a solid first two starts to his big league career, Yankees' Jhony Brito will look to bounce back from a shocking performance against the Twins that saw him allow seven runs and record just two outs.
Los Angeles will hand the ball to Griffin Canning, who had a solid 2023 debut, allowing two earned runs over five innings vs. Washington on Wednesday.
Los Angeles Angels
Canning has earned a chance to remain in the starting rotation after his strong showing against a dreadful Nationals side, and it is reasonable to believe he can hang in that final spot for the time being.
He missed the 2022 campaign due to a stress fracture in his back, but does offer some slight upside as a fifth option.
Canning is still just 27 years old and has pitched two complete MLB seasons with xERA's below 4.50. It was not so long ago that he was considered to have solid upside as a starting option.
His velocity averaged nearly a full MPH faster throughout the spring, and while it's not overly indicative, his spring results were excellent. ZiPS projects a 4.26 ERA for Canning this year, and it seems fair to say he will not let down on that.
Offensively, Los Angeles has displayed improved form this season and owns a 103 wRC+ and .320 xwOBA through the initial 17 matchups.
There is going to be some relatively easy outs in this lineup, but when the key pieces are healthy, it should be a top third roster.
That's particularly true if Anthony Rendon can continue to be a difference maker. Rendon has recorded six hits over the last four games and now owns a .290 BA and a .369 xwOBA.
New York Yankees
It was only last week that we were discussing Brito becoming an excellent fade target based upon his concerning underlying numbers. And boy did that take pay off in spades.
After Brito's disastrous outing versus Minnesota, he now owns a 7.65 xERA and has been hard-hit 38.2% of the time. Those horrendous marks will not hold, but there are some concerns for sure.
Brito's fastball rates out fairly well, but it has not been fooling anybody. Batters have crushed his four-seamer to a 1.230 SLG rate and have slugged .676 off of his sinker.
His off-speed splits are far more encouraging, and it will be interesting to see what adjustments are made for tonight's matchup.
New York has hit to a 104 wRC+ and .326 xwOBA, which are both steps backwards from last season but are still upper-third marks.
Similar to Los Angeles, we know the big names are going to rake and will do damage this season.
However, as we saw at the end of last year, the Yankees are offering some batters who are essentially free outs.
Angels vs. Yankees Betting Pick
Considering the edge Canning offers over Brito, I would say it is a slight to the Angels lineup that the team is an underdog to win the first five innings of this game.
With the talent in its lineup, Los Angeles was a logical candidate to hit to better splits this season. It has improved in that regard thus far, and I believe it will continue to be far more dangerous when fielding its "A" lineup.
Brito is not offering many arguments as to why he will turn it around in this matchup, and Los Angeles should manage some early offense.
Betting on a weak starter like Canning against a high-powered Yankees offense is not overly fun, but I believe this matchup calls for it, especially with the Angels priced at +105 to win the first five innings.
Keep your eyes out for Los Angeles' lineup as it becomes available, as I am a little concerned one or two big names could be sitting this one out.
