Free MLB Picks Today: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs Seattle Mariners 9/17/22

The Seattle Mariners (80-63) will have their work cut out for them against Shohei Ohtani at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Saturday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Los Angeles Angels (62-82). The Angels took Friday’s series opener 8-7, their eighth head-to-head victory in 16 games this season. Starter Michael Lorenzen went five innings for the win, giving up three runs on four hits and striking out six, and Ryan Tepera pitched the ninth to earn his third save. Luis Rengifo went 3 for 5 with two home runs, three runs, and four RBIs in the win. Taylor Ward went 3 for 4 with a double, one run, and two RBIs. Carlos Santana was 2 for 4 with two home runs and three RBIs for the Mariners.

ON THE MOUND

George Kirby (7-3, 3.15 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Seattle. The righty allowed one run (zero earned) over six innings in his last start, a 3-1 road win over the Braves on September 10. He earned the win, scattering three hits while striking out six. Over three previous starts against the Angels this season, Kirby has allowed six earned runs over 17.2 innings (2-1, 3.06). He has struck out 21 and walked two.For Los Angeles, RHP Ohtani (12-8, 2.55 ERA) takes the mound. He has made two appearances against the Mariners this season, both as the starter, giving up two runs over 12 innings (1-0, 1.50) with 14 strikeouts and three walks. In his last start on September 10, Ohtani got the win on the road against the Astros. He threw five innings and gave up one run on six hits, striking out seven and walking two in the 6-1 victory. The RHP ranks fourth in the AL in strikeouts (188).

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Seattle has averaged 4.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.2. Against right-handed pitchers like Ohtani this season, the M’s have a .700 OPS. Julio Rodriguez is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with ann .844 OPS in 373 at-bats.Los Angeles is averaging 4.0 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 3.8 for the season. The Halos have a .690 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .931 OPS over 338 at-bats, Ohtani has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Seattle is 41-31 away from home in 2022, scoring 4.6 runs per game while allowing 3.9 runs. Los Angeles has gone 32-40 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In the last 10 games between the AL West rivals at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Seattle is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.4-4.7.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Mariners are second in the AL West, 14 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.