Bryan Armetta offers up a preview, prediction and pick for Saturday’s game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Angels.

Both the Diamondbacks and Angels sit just below .500, with records of 46-49 and 46-48, respectively. That makes tonight’s contest crucial for each team. A series win in SoCal prior to the All-Star break would go a long way towards a playoff push. Which of these West Coast clubs will gain some momentum in Anaheim? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday’s matchup between the Diamondbacks and the Angels.

The Angels are favorites (-123) over the Diamondbacks, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.

Diamondbacks vs. Angels prediction, preview

While clubs such as the Braves, Rangers and Orioles have generated headlines, the Diamondbacks have been equally disappointing. The team’s fourth-place ranking doesn’t make much sense on paper. Arizona is averaging 5.08 runs per game, the fourth-highest mark in baseball. That alone should be enough to keep this squad in contention for a wild card spot. Unfortunately for the Snakes, quality contributions on the mound have been virtually non-existent. Granted, season-ending Tommy John surgery for Corbin Burnes was bad luck. However, that’s still no excuse for surrendering the league’s fourth-most runs (477) this season.

One of the biggest culprits for the Diamondbacks has been Zac Gallen. Once an All-Star Game starter, the righty has looked like a shell of himself in 2025. Through 110.0 innings of work, the 29-year-old has put up an abysmal 5.15 ERA. With that being said, Arizona’s former ace has finally gotten into a groove. Over two starts in July, Gallen has surrendered just one earned run (0.69 ERA). The biggest key for the veteran will be limiting the long ball; his 1.6 HR/9 ratio is a career-worst mark. That’s not ideal going into tonight’s matchup. Los Angeles has launched 138 dingers, fifth-most in baseball. However, the Angels have posted the league’s fifth-worst batting average against right-handed pitchers (.234).

Silencing a formidable Diamondbacks offense is crucial for Los Angeles. Fortunately for the Halos, staff ace Yusei Kikuchi is getting the nod tonight. Signed this offseason, the Japanese hurler has been a savior for an otherwise subpar starting rotation. Over 107.1 innings pitched, the two-time All-Star has delivered a 3.02 ERA and 110 strikeouts. Still, the southpaw will have his work cut out for him on Saturday. Since June 20th, Arizona has notched a league-best .887 OPS against lefties. Kikuchi’s 4.0 BB/9 ratio is also troubling, as the D-Backs have generated baseball’s third-most walks per game (3.59).

Diamondbacks vs. Angels pick, best bet

Best Bet: Diamondbacks ML (+101)

In terms of talent, Gallen vs. Kikuchi is fairly even. Regardless, even if Arizona’s starter puts up a clunker, this offense is capable of picking up the slack. In many ways, the Diamondbacks are a brutal opponent for the Angels and their ace. At even money, the Snakes make sense as a road dog.