Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago White Sox vs Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5/31/23

Hot-hitting Eloy Jimenez will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Chicago White Sox (23-34) host the Los Angeles Angels (29-27) at Guaranteed Rate Field on Wednesday with the three-game series knotted at 1-1.

The White Sox evened up the series 1-1 after winning 7-3 on Tuesday. Starter Lucas Giolito got the win, giving up three runs on four hits over five innings and striking out five.

Luis Robert Jr. went 3 for 4 with two doubles and one run in the win. Romy Gonzalez added a home run and a double. He scored two runs and drove in two. Taylor Ward was 2 for 4 with a solo home run and a double for the Angels.

ON THE MOUND

Jaime Barria (1-2, 1.55 ERA) is slated to start for Los Angeles. The right-hander allowed four runs (zero earned) in one inning of relief in his last appearance, an 8-5 road defeat against the Marlins on Saturday. He was charged with the loss, giving up one hit while striking out one and walking two.

Barria is making his first appearance against the White Sox this season. Over two appearances (zero starts) against the White Sox in 2022, Barria was 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA over six innings. He had five strikeouts and one walk.

Right-hander Lance Lynn (4-5, 5.83 ERA) gets the start for Chicago. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Angels. In his last start on Friday, Lynn got the win on the road against the Tigers. He threw six innings and gave up three runs (1 ER) on three hits, striking out five and walking five in the 12-3 victory.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Los Angeles has averaged only 3.2 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.8, while performing worse across the board (.214/.316/.387). Against righties like Lynn this season, the Halos have a .737 OPS.

Shohei Ohtani has been the team’s most powerful hitter against right-handers with a .529 SLG in 149 at-bats. Chicago is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.3 for the season, with a better slash line (.274/.321/.474).

The Sox have a .671 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .798 OPS over 112 at-bats, Gavin Sheets has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Los Angeles is 14-14 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.7 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Chicago has gone 13-14 at home this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 5.3.

In the last 10 games between the teams at Guaranteed Rate Field, each club has won five, though Chicago has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.3-3.6.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Angels are third in the AL West, seven games behind the division-leading Rangers. The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, six games behind the Twins.