9:38 pm
September 20

Astros @ Angels

Who will WIN this matchup?

Houston Astros (88-61)

@ Los Angeles Angels (72-77)

 

Starting Pitchers:

Valdez (HOU): 10-5; 3.26 ERA

Barria (LAA) 2-3; 4.93 ERA

 

Current odds:

Houston Astros: (-210)

Los Angeles Angels: (+190)

 

• The Los Angeles Angels will host the Houston Astros Monday night in Anaheim, Calif., and while the Astros are in position to win the American League West and go to the playoffs, the Angels have been reduced to playing for individual postseason awards.

• Pitcher/DH Shohei Ohtani is in the running for the AL MVP award, but he’s not the only Angel player vying to win individual accolades. Second baseman David Fletcher, according to Angels manager Joe Maddon, should be a lock to win a Gold Glove. The Gold Glove awards are voted on by managers and coaches, though they can’t vote for members of their own team. Additionally, a percentage of the vote involves the SABR Defensive Index (SDI), which calculates a number of defensive metrics.

• Right-hander Jaime Barria (2-3, 4.93 ERA) will start for the Angels, coming off a no-decision in his last start, also against the Astros, when he allowed one run and four hits in four innings. For his career, Barria is 1-4 with a 4.47 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) against the Astros.

• Left-hander Framber Valdez (10-5, 3.26 ERA) will start for Houston, coming off a rough outing Sept. 10 against the Angels, even though he got a victory because the Astros won the game 10-5. Valdez gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits and five walks in five innings. Control has been an issue for Valdez at times, as he has walked five or more in four of his 19 starts. Overall, he’s walked 50 in 116 innings. Monday’s game will also be Valdez’s first since he cut his left index finger last week while shagging balls in the outfield during batting practice. It forced him to miss a start, but Astros manager Dusty Baker is counting on Valdez to be ready. Valdez is 5-3 with a 4.56 ERA in 10 career games (six starts) against the Angels.

6/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Houston Astros
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