MLB Playoffs: The Los Angeles Angels are favored in Game 1 of the ALDS on Thursday night in Anaheim as they take on the Kansas City Royals. The Angels come into this game with the best record in the league while the Royals are coming off a win on Tuesday in the AL Wild Card game. It is a matchup of the pitching and speed of the Royals against the power of the Angels. Here is a look at Game 1 on TBS and MLB playoff picks.
MLB Playoff Odds Series Price
Kansas City Royals +160
Los Angeles Angels -190
Probable Pitchers
The Royals had not announced their Game 1 starter although it looked like it would be Jeremy Guthrie, Jason Vargas or Danny Duffy. The Angels will be going with Jered Weaver on Thursday. He is no stranger to the postseason as he has gone 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in six appearances. “It’s what you play 162 games for, to hopefully have a chance to extend your season into October, and we have that opportunity.” Weaver said, “We have a good club. Hopefully we can push that onto the playoffs.”
Angels Rested and Ready
The Angels come into this game rested and ready for a deep playoff run. They have plenty of experienced players including Albert Pujols who won two World Series with the Cardinals. “That’s what you play for, to get to the postseason,” Pujols said. “Obviously the last couple of years, we haven’t accomplished that dream. This year it’s a different team, different faces. Great ballclub, and we have a pretty good chance to run this team for a while.” The Angels have the far superior offense with Pujols and probable AL MVP Mike Trout in the middle of their order.
Game Notes
The Royals and Angels split their six games this season with each team winning two of three at home. The teams have never met in the playoffs. The Angels are 6-0 in Weaver’s last 6 starts vs. the Royals. The Royals are 5-1 in their last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The Angels are 4-1 in their last 5 playoff home games. The Angels are 42-12 in Weaver’s last 54 home starts. The Over is 5-1 in the Royals last 6 road games. The Under is 26-12 in the Angels last 38 home games.
MLB Playoff Picks
We’ll look for the Angels to win Game 1 on Thursday.
