Angels vs. Braves Prediction and Odds for Friday, July 22 (Happy Shohei Ohtani Day to Save L.A.)
By Ben Heisler
It's rough out here for the Los Angeles Angels.
They own the season's longest losing streak of 14-games, fired their manager Joe Maddon, and have gone 12-30 since the start of June.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how'd you like the play?"
The Angels look to stop their three game losing streak on the road vs. the Atlanta Braves with Shohei Ohtani on the mound. The AL MVP favorite makes his 16th start of the season; looking to improve on his 2.38 ERA and rack up his 10th win.
The Braves as of this writing have yet to name their starter.
Here are the latest consensus odds for tonight's matchup from Truist Park in Atlanta.
Angels vs. Braves Odds, Run Line and Total
Run Line:
- Angels +1.5 (-175)
- Braves -1.5 (+150)
Moneyline:
- Angels +135
- Braves -155
Total:
- 7 (OVER -115 | UNDER -105)
Angels vs. Braves Prediction and Pick
Ohtani somehow is still at plus-odds to win the AL MVP at FanDuel Sportsbook (+100), but if you're looking for further context as to just how valuable he's been this year, take a look at this stat.
Need another reason why Shohei Ohtani is the AL MVP?
— Ben Heisler (@bennyheis) July 21, 2022
The Angels are 6-1 in Ohtani's starts, but are 6-28 in non-Ohtani starts since the beginning of June!
He's on the mound Friday vs. the Braves in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/9xGlhHDAb9
That's right, Ohtani on his own has essentially counted for half of his team's wins over the last seven weeks; and he's the best hitter on the Angels not named Mike "Fricking" Trout. Absurdity!
At this point, he doesn't give bettors much of a choice to consider the alternative, especially with the current unknown state of his Braves' starting counterpart.
Even if it's one of their best on the mound, I'm not fading Ohtani, and will back the under instead.
LEAN: UNDER 7 (-105)
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