I'm willing to take a shot on the 6th strikeout as we get closer to even money, despite Shohei Ohtani likely being limited to four innings, if not five. The 14% swinging strike rate and 30% called strike plus whiff rate against righties are solid but he's striking them out at a significantly lower rate than lefties thus far. I think we see some positive regression against a righty heavy order tonight, as this lineup has struggled to avoid whiffing on fastballs and sliders. Ohtani will lean on a mix of those pitches for strikeouts and the whiff rates are encouraging. His velocity has also returned to better than 2023 levels, and he was highly successful when pitching in this venue as an Angel.
Sure, the Dodgers should pound the Angels tonight with Shohei Ohtani opposed by Kyle Hendricks. But this series is the Angels' World Series for 2025, and they are going to be all-in to try and sweep their high-priced Big Brother (and with an off day Thursday). And I couldn't care less if they do win, just lose by a run. Alternate runlines are some of my favorite things to play and tickled we got one here north of +1.5.
Siri will start in left field and bat fifth in Wednesday's game against the Guardians.
Moore will start at second base and bat cleanup in Wednesday's game against the Guardians.
Ballesteros is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians.
Meckler (concussion) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday, Erica Weston of Angels Broadcast Television reports.
Natera (back) will begin a rehab assignment Friday with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.
Wrobleski (forearm) will face hitters in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
The Angels recalled Teodosio from Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday. He'll start in center field and bat ninth in the series finale versus the Guardians.
The Angels recalled Martin from Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.
Smith (neck) went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run Tuesday in a minor-league rehab appearance with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Angels optioned Weiman to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.
