Bryan Armetta offers up a preview, prediction and pick for Saturday\u2019s game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Angels.<\/p>\n
Both the Diamondbacks<\/a> and Angels<\/a> sit just below .500, with records of 46-49 and 46-48, respectively. That makes tonight\u2019s 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\u2019ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday\u2019s matchup between the Diamondbacks and the Angels.<\/p>\n The Angels are favorites (-123)<\/a> over the Diamondbacks, with the over\/under set at 8.5 runs<\/a>. Let\u2019s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook<\/a> entering tonight\u2019s contest.<\/p>\n Diamondbacks vs. Angels prediction, preview<\/p>\n While clubs such as the Braves<\/a>, Rangers<\/a> and Orioles<\/a> have generated headlines, the Diamondbacks have been equally disappointing. The team\u2019s fourth-place ranking doesn\u2019t 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\u2019s still no excuse for surrendering the league\u2019s fourth-most runs (477) this season. <\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019s not ideal going into tonight\u2019s matchup. Los Angeles has launched 138 dingers, fifth-most in baseball. However, the Angels have posted the league\u2019s fifth-worst batting average against right-handed pitchers (.234).<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 4.0 BB\/9 ratio is also troubling, as the D-Backs have generated baseball\u2019s third-most walks per game (3.59).<\/p>\n Diamondbacks vs. Angels pick, best bet<\/p>\n