MLB Picks · September 23, 2026
Los Angeles Angels vs Athletics
Lean
Angels ML
-131
61
/ 100
Starting Pitchers
Los Angeles Angels · Away
Walbert Ureña (RHP)
Athletics · Home
Jeffrey Springs (LHP)
AI Analysis
Walbert Ureña has been impressive this season — 2.74 ERA, 1.21 WHIP in 144+ innings — a strong, proven starter. The Athletics counter with Jeffrey Springs (6.18 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 4-14 record) — one of the worst starters in baseball this year. The Angels are favored at -131, though they are 60-97 and offensively limited. The pitching matchup strongly favors LAA, and the Athletics hit RHP at .720 OPS — modest. This is a lean based on the Ureña vs Springs disparity, but the Angels' offensive limitations (3.8 R/G L10) and poor season record cap confidence.
Concerns
- •Angels are 60-97 — an objectively bad team despite the pitching edge
- •LAA offense only 3.8 R/G L10, multiple cold hitters
- •Athletics OPS .732 shows more offensive capability than their record suggests
- •Langeliers (.333 L14) and Canzone hot for ATH
- •Springs ERA 6.18 — will Oakland's bullpen need to carry significant innings?
Factor Breakdown