Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction: Can the Bats Get to Reid Detmers, Drew Smyly?
The Los Angeles Angels and Chicago Cubs play the final game on Thursday's MLB slate. Can the bats get to Reid Detmers and Drew Smyly tonight? Baseball betting expert Krabs breaks it down.
Krabs - June 8, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
5 minLos Angeles Angels vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction: Can the Bats Get to Reid Detmers, Drew Smyly?
Drew Smyly looked out of gas by the third inning of his start last week against the San Diego Padres. He may have gotten out of that start relatively unscathed, allowing only three runs, but every single Padres out seemed like it was hit hard. His velocity was down, and he struggled with his command. After a nice start to the season, it seems like the veteran lefty is starting to come back down to Earth.
Angels vs. Cubs Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, June 8, 2023
- Start Time: 9:38 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction
If the Chicago Cubs’ veteran looks anything like he did last week against the Padres, he is in or a tough outing against the Los Angeles Angels tonight. Los Angeles is top ten in OBP, batting average, and slugging percentage against left-handed pitching this season. Mike Trout and Brandon Drury both have great numbers against Smyly, with eight hits, seven RBIs, and two home runs in 24 at-bats. Anthony Rendon has been swinging a hot bat when available this season and has a great matchup against the soft-throwing lefty as well.
Reid Detmers has struggled mightily in 2023, especially of late. The young lefty has allowed sixteen hits and seven runs in his previous two starts. It won’t get any easier for the 23-year-old tonight as he faces one of the best offenses in baseball against left-handed pitching. Much like the Angels, the Cubs are top ten in nearly every single significant offensive statistic against left-handed pitching. This could be Detmers’ last chance to prove his spot in the rotation, or he could be joining Alek Manoah in the minors.
The best Cubs hitters all crush lefties, including Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Patrick Wisdom. These four guys have prime matchups against one of the worst left-handed pitchers in baseball this season. Walks have been killing Detmers, and the Cubs are the third most patient team in baseball this season with over 230 walks. Detmers is in for a rough night if he struggles to find his command as he has in the majority of his starts.
This total opened up at eight before getting streamed up to the current line of 9. Less than half the bets but over 80% of the handle is on the over (on DraftKings). Some big bets have been placed on this high total, a good sign for over-bettors. Typically, this much discrepancy in bet/handle percentage is a good sign. Ride with the sharps and back the over, as both offenses have great matchups.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago Cubs Pick
CHC/LAA o9 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
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