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For the first time since 2017, these two unfamiliar inter-league squads will go head-to-head in the City of Brotherly Love. Treat yourself by tuning into this contest between the Los Angeles Angels and the Philadelphia Phillies, where there should be no shortage of drama. It is time to take a look at our MLB odds series, where our Angels-Phillies prediction and pick will be revealed.
Losers of eight consecutive games, the Angels are in an absolute free fall. Whether it's been pedestrian pitching efforts, bad defense, or having holes in their bats at the plate, Los Angeles is causing concern in and around the city of Anaheim. Looking to snap this dreaded losing skid will be righty Chase Silseth, who has compiled a 1-1 record and a 3.07 ERA in only three starts on the season.
After starting off with a measly 22-29 record, the Phillies management decided to relieve manager Joe Girardi from his duties after the team's poor start. In what should serve as a massive shake-up for the Phillies as a whole, the cruel business of sports offers no mercy for those that struggle in finding wins consistently. Trying to move on and record a victory against the Angels will be RHP Zach Eflin, who has looked like a shell of his previous self with a 1-4 record and 4.60 ERA in eight games started this year.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Angels-Phillies MLB odds.
MLB Odds: Angels-Phillies Odds
Los Angeles Angels: +1.5 (-196)
Philadelphia Phillies: -1.5 (+162)
Over: 9 (+100)
Under: 9 (-122)
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Why The Angels Could Cover the Spread
Once considered one of the top teams in the AL, Los Angeles can't seem to put the pieces together in returning to the win column. Now only two games above .500 at 27-25, things need to change in a hurry if LA wants any shot in competing with the Astros for the top spot in the AL West. Still stacked with an abundant amount of talent on offense and at the mound, Los Angeles' talent on their roster alone might be the only reason that the Angels aren't in full panic mode.
Usually, when it rains, it pours. What started out as a harmless sprinkle has transformed into a treacherous downpour, and if the Angels don't do something soon, they will surely drown.
After a dreadful series against the Yankees where they were swept after only scoring a trio of runs in three games. This is definitely uncharacteristic when looking at the big picture of the Angels, as they are a top ten hitting team in most offensive statistical categories through 52 games played.
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The same could be said about their pitching numbers, as the Halos possess a respectable 3.82 ERA and only let teams hit .227 off of them on the season.
If the Angels want to cover the spread against the Phillies, they need to play with a sense of harmony. Los Angeles can't afford to keep losing for much longer, so being on the same page in all aspects will prove to be the key to success if the Angels want to turn things around as soon as possible.
Why The Phillies Could Cover the Spread
Eight game losing streaks are pretty bad, but believe it or not, things might actually be worse inside Philadelphia's clubhouse. Similar to the Angels, the Phillies have been in a funk themselves, and have seemingly put the blame on Joe Girardi nearly two months into the season. Serving as the Phillies' manager for the last three seasons, Girardi couldn't quite translate the same success that he experienced in New York in comparison to Philadelphia with an overall record of 132-141.
Even with the dramatic change in leadership within the Phillies clubhouse, the MLB season still is in its early stages and the Phillies still could string together some wins down the stretch in the next couple of months. Still, the urgency in and around Philadelphia is climbing.
In order to right their wrongs and start by covering the spread at home against Los Angeles, they can start with a return to the lineup by OF Bryce Harper, who was scratched from the game on Wednesday due to a sore forearm. Harper has dealt with a torn ligament in his right elbow since April, but he has yet to show the effects of his injury as he is mashing a healthy .303 with 32 RBIs on the season when he is able to suit up.
The biggest factor in covering the spread for the Phillies will fall on the shoulders of Elfin, who has definitely struggled in 2o22 but is capable in throwing a gem on occasion. As a whole, the Phillies have a mediocre 4.05 ERA but have earned 20 quality starts from their starters, good for seventh-most in the majors.
Final Angels-Phillies Prediction & Pick
Both teams desperately need wins, as one side will finally get the monkey off their backs with a triumphant victory and the other will continue to keep sliding. With the massive shakeup for the Phillies and the uncertainty of Bryce Harper's availability this evening, the Angels should take advantage and jump after Eflin early to ensure a halt to their losing ways.
Final Angels-Phillies Pick: Angels +1.5 (-196)
