Free MLB Picks Today: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs Chicago White Sox 6/29/23

The Chicago White Sox (35-47) are on the road to face the Los Angeles Angels (44-38) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Thursday with the visitors looking to split the four-game series.

The White Sox won 11-5 on Wednesday for their first win of the series, their second head-to-head victory in six games this season. Starter Lucas Giolito went seven innings, allowing four runs on six hits and striking out nine, to get the win.

Seby Zavala was 3 for 5 with two home runs and four RBIs in the win. Andrew Vaughn went 3 for 4 with two doubles, one run, and three RBIs. Brandon Drury went 3 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs for the Angels. Shohei Ohtani went 3 for 5 with a triple and two runs.

ON THE MOUND

Lance Lynn (4-8, 6.40 ERA) is in line to get the start for Chicago. The RHP allowed three runs over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 5-4 road win over the Red Sox on Saturday. He scattered six hits while striking out seven and walking one in the no-decision.

Lynn has made one previous start against the Angels this season, a 12-5 home loss on May 31. He surrendered eight runs on eight hits over four innings, striking out four and walking two. Southpaw Patrick Sandoval (4-6, 4.16 ERA) gets the ball for Los Angeles.

It’s his first appearance of the season against the White Sox. Sandoval made one start against the White Sox in 2022, throwing six innings in a 3-0 road defeat on May 2. He gave up six hits and walked three while striking out two in the loss.

In his last start on Friday, Sandoval took a no-decision on the road against the Rockies. He threw five innings and gave up three runs on 10 hits, striking out three and walking one in the 7-4 loss.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 4.6 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.1. Against lefties like Sandoval this season, the Sox have a .709 OPS.

Luis Robert Jr. is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a 1.171 OPS in 62 at-bats. Los Angeles is averaging 7.8 runs per game in the last five, up from 5.0 for the season, with a better slash line (.328/.402/.593).

The Halos have a .780 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the fifth highest in the league. With a 1.083 OPS over 227 at-bats, Ohtani has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Chicago is 15-27 away from Guaranteed Rate Field in 2023, scoring 4.0 runs per game while allowing 4.7 runs. Los Angeles has gone 22-17 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 4.6.

Los Angeles is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Angel Stadium of Anaheim despite an average scoreline favoring Chicago (5.1-4.7).

STANDINGS UPDATE

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