Cardinals, Angels Grappling with Costly Injuries

Cardinals vs Angels Prediction: LA -115 ML Favorite for Opener

The St. Louis Cardinals’ schedule continues Monday (9:38 p.m. ET), as the Redbirds visit the Los Angeles Angels for the next stop in their seven-game road trip. Matthew Liberatore will square off with Jose Soriano for the start of a three-game series at Angel Stadium.

St. Louis is -1.5 (+154) on the run line and -105 on the moneyline for the series opener, while Los Angeles is +1.5 (-185) and -115. Meanwhile, the projected total is 8.5 with a slight edge to the Under at -112.

Read on as we break down both teams and assess the odds in our Cardinals vs Angels prediction.

Cardinals logo St. Louis Cardinals vs Los Angeles Angels Angels logo

Day/Time:
Location: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
Streaming: MLB Network

Cardinals vs Angels Betting Trends

The St. Louis Cardinals’ record against the run line is 19-21, though they are just 2-7 over the last nine games. They have also struggled against the Over/Under, going 15-23-2. Only four teams have gone Under the total at a higher rate than St. Louis (60.5%).

The Los Angeles Angels, meanwhile, are 20-21 against the run line. That includes a 5-5 mark over their last 10 games. Los Angeles has been far more profitable against the Over/Under, going 21-19-2.

That’s important to remember when analyzing our Cardinals vs Angels prediction.

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Worries Grow for St. Louis

St. Louis has been among MLB’s biggest disappointments over the first month, sitting last place in the National League Central. The Cardinals are just 2-8 over their last 10 games, leaving them 16-24 overall. Keep in mind, they were projected for 84.5 wins.

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt is mired in a deep slump, batting just 3 for 37 to drop his average to .197. The seven-time All-Star homered in Sunday’s 4-3 win over Milwaukee, his first since April 22. Despite that, his OPS is an unsightly .532. Nolan Arenado (2 HR, 20 RBI) hasn’t fared much better, adding to St. Louis’ woes.

As if their struggles aren’t troublesome enough, the Cardinals must find a way to navigate the next two months without catcher Willson Contreras. The three-time All-Star is out at least six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured arm. Contreras was injured last week when J.D. Martinez’s swing struck him on the left forearm.

Contreras’ injury is a brutal loss for St. Louis. He was off to a terrific start, with six homers, 12 RBI and a .280 average. The Cardinals’ 29 home runs are tied for the fewest in MLB. Be sure to keep that in mind when assessing our Cardinals vs Angels prediction.

Given all those issues, the Cardinals’ futures odds have plummeted. They have dropped to +6000 to win the pennant, the fifth longest odds in the NL.

No Trout Spells Big Problem

The Angeles haven’t fared much better, sitting near the bottom of the MLB power rankings near St. Louis. Los Angeles is last place in the American League West at 15-26. Their minus-37 run differential is third worst in the AL, better than only Toronto (minus-47) and Chicago (minus-90).

Like St. Louis, the Angels will be without their most potent bat for the foreseeable future. Outfielder Mike Trout is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery last week to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The three-time MVP had 10 home runs over his first 29 games.

Without Trout, the Angels lack a true middle-of-the-order bat. Taylor Ward (7 HR, 24 RBI) and Jo Adell (7 HR, 18 RBI) have both hit well, but neither can replace Trout.

Pitching has also been an issue. The Angels’ 4.73 team ERA ranks 27th in MLB.

Expectations weren’t high initially, as Los Angeles was projected for just 71.5 wins. Trout’s injury has only made them worse. The Angels are now +25000 to win the AL, the second biggest longshot on the board. They are also +40000 to win the World Series.

Game 1

Monday, 9:38 p.m. ET

Matthew Liberatore vs Jose Soriano

Liberatore is 1-1 with a 3.54 ERA. Thirteen of his 14 appearances have come as a reliever. The 24-year-old southpaw made his first start on May 5 against the White Sox, allowing one run over 3.2 innings. He threw 50 pitches, as the Cardinals treated his appearance like a bullpen day with Steven Matz (back) on the 15-day injured list.

He will oppose Soriano, who is 1-4 with a 4.32 ERA. He last pitched on May 8, allowing four runs over 4.2 innings against Pittsburgh. Walks (17 in 33.1 innings) have been an issue.

Monday’s forecast is calling for sunshine and temperatures nearing 70 degrees, per MLB weather.

Game 2

Tuesday, 9:38 p.m. ET

Sonny Gray vs Reid Detmers

Gray has been outstanding in his first year as a Cardinal, going 4-2 with a 2.29 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in his first six appearances. However, he’s coming off his worst start of the season. He allowed six runs over five innings in a 7-1 loss to Milwaukee on May 9. He is +1400 to win the NL Cy Young.

The Angels will counter with Detmers, who is 3-4 with a 4.96 ERA. After a strong start to the season, the left-hander has allowed 22 runs over his last 22.2 innings (four starts). He’s also given up seven homers during that span.

Game 3

Wednesday, 9:07 p.m. ET

Lance Lynn vs Griffin Canning

Lynn has been hit hard this month, giving up 10 runs (eight earned) in 9.2 innings. The veteran right-hander has allowed five homers in 40.1 innings, though three came in one start.

Canning, meanwhile, is coming off his best start. He threw 5.2 shutout innings against Kansas City on Friday, albeit in a 2-1 loss. Despite that, his ERA is 5.75.

For MLB scores today, betting analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.


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