Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics 3/30/23

The Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels begin the 2023 Major League Baseball season with a three-game series at Oakland Coliseum at 10:07 p.m. ET on Thursday. Shohei Ohtani is slated to get the start for Los Angeles opposite Oakland left-hander Kyle Muller.

Ohtani pitched just 2.1 innings for the Angels this spring, but was the MVP of the World Baseball Classic. As usual, he starred at the plate and on the mound. Ohtani hit .435 with a .606 on-base percentage and .739 slugging percentage. He pitched 9.2 innings with a 1.86 ERA. Ohtani had an outstanding 2022 as well, going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 28 starts. He struck out 219 batters over 166 innings.

Muller appeared in five games with four starts for Oakland this spring and was 1-3 with a 6.50 ERA and 1.89 WHIP. He struck out 15 batters in 18 IP. This is Muller’s first season with the A’s after two with the Braves. He made three starts for Atlanta in 2022, going 1-1 with an 8.03 ERA and 1.70 WHIP. Muller struck out 12 in 12.1 IP.

The probable starting lineup for Los Angeles has left-fielder Taylor Ward leading off followed by CF Mike Trout, DH Ohtani, 3B Anthony Rendon, RF Hunter Renfroe, 1B Brandon Drury, SS Gio Urshela, Logan O'Hoppe and 2B Luis Rengifo.

Oakland will likely have second baseman Tony Kemp leading off with the rest of the lineup being 3B Jace Peterson, Ramon Laureano, DH Seth Brown, SS Aledmys Diaz, 1B Jesus Aguilar, C Shea Langeliers, LF Conner Capel and CF Esteury Ruiz.

Little is expected from the Athletics this season, and their Opening Day starter and starting lineup makes it clear why. The Angels should have little trouble opening the season with a win. The only questions needing answered are how many runs with Los Angeles score, and will it be higher than the attendance? Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Angels win and cover 7-2.