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Mike Trout. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)

MLB best bets: Angels vs. Orioles odds, pick and predictions for Sunday 3/31

Originally posted on Action Network | By John Feltman | Last updated 3/31/24

It's been a tough start to the season for the Los Angeles Angels, who have dropped the first two games of the series to the Baltimore Orioles. Many expected the offense to drop off with the departure of Shohei Ohtani, so it is not too much of a surprise to see their early season struggles.

The Orioles, however, have lived up to the early season hype through two games. It is going to be a fun year in Baltimore, and their young superstars should carry them all season long.

On the bump for the Angels on Sunday will be right-hander Reid Detmers, who will try to prevent the sweep. Meanwhile, the Orioles will start Tyler Wells, who is coming off a respectable 2023 season.

Let's break down the series finale below and uncover the best betting angle for Angels vs. Orioles.

Angels vs. Orioles Odds

Sunday, March 31, 1:35 p.m. ET, BSW

Angels Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
+1.5 -150	8.5 -125o / 105u	+135

Orioles Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
-1.5 +125	8.5 -125o / 105u	-160

Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here.

Los Angeles Angels

It is tough to sweep an opponent in MLB, and I have a feeling the Angels will show up on Easter Sunday. The offense needs to be better, but luckily they have good numbers against Wells. The Angels are 7-for-23 lifetime against Wells, including 2 HRs by Mike Trout. It is a terrific spot for Trout, who always seems to perform well at Camden Yards.

But the biggest reason the Angels are going to win Sunday is because of Detmers. He flashed a ton of potential in 148 innings last season, racking up 168 punchouts. The problem for Detmers was he allowed too many free passes and could not keep the ball in the park, sporting a 1.15 HR/FB ratio. If he limits the walks, he is set up to have a good afternoon.

The Orioles' current players are hitting .182 as a team against Detmers, and their offense is due for a bit of a cooldown after yesterday’s performance. I am very high on Detmers’ pitch arsenal and I think he’s in for a bounce-back season.

Baltimore Orioles

It's a tall task to contain this offense, but there are still weaknesses that can get exposed on any particular afternoon. I love the youthfulness and explosiveness of the offense, but against a starting pitcher who is capable of missing bats, they are vulnerable.

For instance, they were in the middle of the pack of strikeouts per game last season on offense. I love the overall talent of the Orioles, but Detmers is more than capable of shutting down top offenses.

Wells had a decent 2023 season, but the metrics suggest he was fortunate. Wells allowed 1.9 HR/FB last season, which is extremely concerning. His 3.64 ERA was all smoke and mirrors, finishing the season with a 4.63xFIP. He has decent strikeout stuff, but the free passes and consistent fly balls are going to burn him in the long run.

Although it's a small sample size, the Angels' bats should cause Wells to struggle Sunday afternoon. It's never fun when the opposing team’s best hitter has great numbers against your starter.

If Detmers is wild, then the Orioles' bats should continue their excellent early-season success. But, I have a hunch the Orioles' offense is due for a bit of a cool-off against the tough right-hander.

Angels vs. Orioles

Betting Pick & Prediction

I am expecting the Angels to put behind some of their early struggles and ride Detmers’ arm to avoid the sweep. The ceiling has always been there for Detmers, and maybe this is finally the year he puts together all of the pieces.

I also really like the matchup for the Angels' lineup against Wells. He is a regression candidate heading into 2024, and he gives up far too many fly balls for my liking.

We’re getting plus money with a team trying to avoid the sweep with the better matchup and starting pitcher on the mound. Sign me up, please.