Free MLB Picks Today: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs Seattle Mariners 9/16/22

The Los Angeles Angels (61-82), one of the least productive offenses in the league, are set to host the Seattle Mariners (80-62) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Friday to open a four-game series. The Mariners are playing their first of 10 games on the road after wrapping up an eight-game homestand (4-4). They split their last series against the Padres, taking the finale 6-1 on Wednesday at T-Mobile Park. Julio Rodriguez was 2 for 3 with a home run and two runs. The Angels are back home after a rough six-game road trip (1-5). They are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Guardians, dropping the finale 5-3 on Wednesday at Progressive Field for their fourth straight loss. Mickey Moniak went 2 for 4 with a home run and a double. He scored two runs and had two RBIs.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Mariners have won eight of 15 in the season series between the AL West rivals, including an 11-7 victory in their most recent meeting on August 17 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. George Kirby got the win, allowing three runs on six hits over 5.2 innings and striking out seven.

ON THE MOUND

Robbie Ray (12-9, 3.45 ERA) is in line to start for Seattle. The lefty ranks third in the AL in strikeouts (189). Ray allowed four runs over five innings in his last start, a 6-4 road defeat against the Braves on September 9. He took the loss, yielding eight hits while striking out six. Over three previous starts against the Angels this season, Ray has allowed only four earned runs over 20 innings (2-0, 1.80). He has struck out 30 and walked five. RHP Michael Lorenzen (6-6, 4.94 ERA) gets the start for Los Angeles. He has made two appearances against the Mariners this season, both starts, giving up nine runs over eight innings (0-2, 10.13) with eight strikeouts and seven walks. In his last start on September 9, Lorenzen took a no-decision on the road against the Astros. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out two and walking four in the 4-3 loss.

AT THE PLATE

The Seattle offense is averaging 4.2 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .229/.312/.389. Rodriguez leads the team in OPS at .841. The center fielder is slashing .279/.342/.499 with 26 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 78 runs over 125 games. Against righties like Lorenzen this season, the M’s have a .698 OPS. Rodriguez also is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .844 OPS in 373 at-bats. Los Angeles is slashing .228/.294/.385 for the season and averaging 3.8 runs per game, fifth lowest in the league. Shohei Ohtani leads the team with a .889 OPS. He has 34 home runs, 88 RBIs, and 80 runs scored with a slash line of .265/.355/.534. The Halos have a .654 OPS against lefties in 2022, fourth lowest in the league. With a 1.097 OPS over 94 at-bats, Mike Trout has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Seattle is on a six-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 41-30 in 2022. The M’s have scored 4.6 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.9 runs. Los Angeles has gone 31-40 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. Seattle is 8-2 in the last 10 games at Angel Stadium of Anaheim between the teams with an average scoreline of 5.4-4.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Mariners are second in the AL West, 12 games behind the division-leading Astros. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting second. The Angels are fourth in the AL West, 32 games behind the Astros.