Angels vs. Orioles (5/17/23): Predictions, Odds, Best Bets, Starting Lineups

Let’s make predictions for Wednesday’s game and break down why the Orioles are well positioned to make it back-to-back wins over the Angels.

The Angels and Orioles combined for 14 runs even with Shohei Ohtani on the mound in Monday’s series opener. Are these teams poised for another high-scoring game on Wednesday? Griffin Canning will get the start for the Angels while Kyle Bradish starts for Baltimore. The Orioles are favored at -140 on the moneyline, with an over/under of 9 runs.

Angels vs. Orioles Prediction

The Orioles had been on a downturn offensively before this series, particularly in the home run department, but they showed signs of life in their split of the first two games against the Angels. Canning gives Baltimore a big opportunity to keep building momentum.

Canning has a propensity for giving up home runs, and the Orioles have the power to take advantage. He’s also prone to short outings, and Baltimore should be in position to win the bullpen battle.

Kyle Bradish has been on-and-off this season. While it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Angels put a couple of runs on him considering the way he gives up hits, he’s at least coming off a promising outing.

Expect this to be a high-scoring game, with the Orioles having a better chance of pouring on some runs. Orioles -135 is the pick, and over 9 runs isn’t a bad play, either.

Angels vs. Orioles Prediction: Orioles -140, Over 9 Runs

Angels vs. Orioles Odds

The Orioles enter as home favorites at -140 on the moneyline, with the over/under set at 9 runs.

Baltimore has been rolling all season, with their terrific bullpen one of the biggest reasons, but suspect starting pitching could be what costs them games against teams like the Angels. Which Kyle Bradish will show up in this one?

Angels vs. Orioles Key Matchups

Here are the key matchups that could decide Angels vs. Orioles.

Orioles’ Power vs. Griffin Canning

Griffin Canning has yet to put together a fully healthy season at the MLB level, but the results since he debuted have been mixed at best. His 1.5 HR/9 rate is especially concerning.

Canning has allowed a home run in each of his last four starts, and he gave up two home runs per nine innings during his most recent season (2021). That might not mix well with an Orioles lineup that likes to hit for power. Or will it? The home runs have come far less frequently of late for Baltimore than they did earlier in the season.

Canning could give traditional power hitters like Anthony Santander and Ryan Mountcastle a chance to start hitting the ball over the wall again and power the Orioles’ offense to a big night – that’s a major reason for my Angels vs. Orioles prediction.

Mike Trout vs. Orioles Pitching

Entering Tuesday, Mike Trout was only hitting .217 with one home run in the month of May. That’s going to need to change quickly for the Angels to stay above water in the AL. The last decade-plus indicates it will.

Will the Orioles be able to keep Trout in check over the final two games of this series? Their bullpen is well-equipped to deal with some of the Angels’ heavy hitters, but Kyle Bradish has been hit-or-miss this season and will be in for a challenge between Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Hunter Renfroe.

Bradish allows nearly 10 hits per nine innings, so Wednesday is a great opportunity for the three-time MVP to start getting on base again and take the Angels’ offense to a new gear.

Angels vs. Orioles Starting Lineups

Angels Starting Lineup

LF Taylor Ward R
RF Mike Trout R
DH Shohei Ohtani L
RF Hunter Renfroe R
C Matt Thaiss L
1B Brandon Drury R
3B Gio Urshela R
2B Luis Rengifo S
SS Zach Neto R

Orioles Starting Lineup

CF Cedric Mullins L
C Adley Rutschman S
DH Anthony Santander S
1B Ryan Mountcastle R
3B Gunnar Henderson L
LF Austin Hays R
2B Adam Frazier L
RF Terrin Vavra L
SS Jorge Mateo R