Angels vs Athletics 09/02/23

AL West Division foes will clash on Saturday afternoon, when the Los Angeles Angels take on the Oakland Athletics from the Oakland Coliseum. Be ready for all the baseball action with our MLB picks. The Angels (64-71) have dropped eight of their last 11 games and have fallen out of playoff contention in the American League. Last night, SP Patrick Sandoval (7-11) was tagged for five runs in three plus innings during a 9-2 road loss against Oakland. 

Twenty-seven year old righty Griffin Canning (7-4 4.38 ERA) will take the mound for the Angels in this matchup. In his last start, Canning allowed one run and lasted seven innings during a 3-2 road loss against the New York Mets. 

The Oakland Athletics have lost 45 of their first 66 home games and own the worst overall record in the majors. On Friday, Oakland SP J.P. Sears (3-11) scattered four hits across six shutout frames to earn the win. Leadoff hitter Esteury Ruiz homered as part of a three-hit night for the Athletics, who improved to 40-95 on the year.

Twenty-nine year old righty Paul Blackburn (3-4 3.93 ERA) has been one of the few bright spots for Oakland this season. Through 84 plus innings, Blackburn has given up seven home runs and struck out 86 batters while posting a 1.46 WHIP.

Los Angeles OF Mike Trout (wrist) returned for one game before being placed back on the 10-day injured list. Through 135 games, Los Angeles ranks 8th in OPS and 12th in runs scored. For the season, Oakland ranks 30th in OPS and 30th in runs scored. Take the Athletics to win at home. Final Score Prediction, Oakland Athletics win 5-3.