Angels vs. Braves prediction and odds for Wednesday, August 2
The biggest test that any team in the MLB can have right now is a series with the Atlanta Braves and so far the Los Angeles Angels have held their own. LA took Game 1 and last night the Braves evened the series with a 5-1 win, so today will be the afternoon rubber match in Atlanta. The Braves lead the NL East by 11 games at 68-37 and the Angels are third in the AL West at 56-52.
LA went for it at the deadline and we’ll continue to see if that will pay off as Lucas Giolito makes his second start for the Angels. Giolito is 6-7 this year with a 3.85 ERA. The Braves have also added pitching and will give Yonny Chirinos his second start after claiming him off waivers. Chirinos is 4-4 with a 4.34 ERA.
It’s the first game of the day with a very early first pitch so let’s get right into the odds for the Angels and Braves.
In terms of additions around the deadline, Lucas Gioltio is a bit of a better pickup than Yonny Chirinos. Giolito did take a loss though in his first start for the Angels when he allowed three runs over 5.1 innings to the Blue Jays last weekend.
Giolito’s big issue so far this year is giving up the long ball and he allowed two in his first outing for the Angels. That makes 22 this year in 22 starts which is a big reason that his FIP is 4.55. He was pretty lucky to get out of that start only surrendering three runs considering two home runs were hit.
Speaking of home runs, the Atlanta Braves have hit a few of those this year; 203 to be exact. That is 34 more than the second place team the Dodgers have hit and 37 more than the Angels who are third in home runs this year. Chirinos has allowed 10 homers in 66.1 innings this year and has a FIP of 5.34.
Marcell Ozuna and Matt Olson have each hit four home runs in the past seven days and I wouldn’t be surprised if either guy went deep off Giolito in this one. The Angels have gotten better, but they’re not in the same weight class as the Braves. Give me Atlanta.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change
