MLB Picks: A's vs. Angels

Big league clubs always have more flexibility in September with the expanded rosters. That's a good thing for both the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday when they continue their crucial four-game series. 

In need of an extra arm due to Jered Weaver's shoulder injury, Mike Scioscia has opted for Jerome Williams in Game 2. A's field boss Bob Melvin is in the same situation with Brandon McCarthy following his horrific injury, and will go with Dan Straily in hopes of extending a 4-game winning streak.

A glance at the SBR odds page shows the Halos around -155 for the contest. Baseball bettors looking to get down on the total will have an 8 run mark to contend with. 

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SIDE

MONEY LINE

TOTAL

SCORE

OAKLAND

LA ANGELS

• +1½ -160
• +128
• o8½ -110

• -1½ +150
• -138
• u8½ +100

• +1½ -165
• +128
• o8½ -115

• -1½ +145
• -138
• u8½ -105

• +1½ -165
• +120
• o8½ -122

• -1½ +145
• -140
• u8½ +102

• +1½ -165
• +120
• o8½ -120

• -1½ +145
• -140
• u8½ -100

• +1½ -159
• +130
• o8½ -110

• -1½ +144
• -138
• u8½ +100

• +1½ -170
• +120
• o8½ -120

• -1½ +150
• -140
• u8½ +100

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Oakland grabbed a big win in Monday's opener that rippled throughout the American League standings. The victory helped the A's to a two-game cushion at the top of the wild card race, and gives them the second-best record in the AL behind the Texas Rangers who lead the West by three games. The Angels slipped 3.5 games behind the Athletics, and 1.5 out of the second wild card slot. 

Straily was up for his first taste of MLB life in August when he made three starts for Oakland. The A's won all three, two of which were solid efforts by the young righthander. The one rough outing did come against these Angels, however, who popped four home runs among their eight hits off Straily. 

Williams will be making his first start since July 19 when he was bumped to the Halos pen after less-than-desirable results in the rotation. He saw the A's once as a starter in May, allowing just two runs while working into the seventh, but also issuing five walks and getting no help from his bats in a 2-1 loss as a small favorite in Oakland.

There's no way I can back Williams in this scrap, while also a bit hesitant to jump on the A's at a nice price. I will be adding the OVER to my MLB picks for Tuesday's matchup.

My pick: Over 8 (-110) +++