Mariners vs Angels Picks (June 8) | Betting Against Kirby

by | Jun 8, 2025 | mlb

Tyler Anderson Starting Pitcher Los Angeles Angels

The Seattle Mariners (33-29) look to snap their five-game losing streak as they face the Los Angeles Angels (29-33) in Sunday’s series finale at Angel Stadium. This matchup features two pitchers on very different trajectories – Seattle’s George Kirby returning from injury with concerning results, while Tyler Anderson has been a model of consistency for the Angels. With the Mariners’ offense struggling and the Angels finding their power stroke, this matchup presents several intriguing betting angles worth exploring.

Quick Picks:
Best Bet: Los Angeles Angels Moneyline (+115) ★★★★☆
Top Prop: Jo Adell Over 1.5 Total Bases (+140) ★★★★☆
Value Play: Game Total Over 9 Runs (-110) ★★★☆☆

Seattle vs Los Angeles Betting Odds & Latest Line Movement

Market Seattle Mariners Los Angeles Angels
Moneyline -135 +115
Run Line -1.5 (+140) +1.5 (-160)
Total Over 9 (-110) Under 9 (-110)

Opening Line: Mariners -145, Total 8.5

Sharp Money Analysis: Where Pro Bettors Are Placing Their Wagers

The line movement in this matchup tells an interesting story. Despite Seattle’s five-game skid, they opened as clear favorites at -145, but we’ve seen that line drift slightly toward the Angels, now sitting at -135. This modest adjustment suggests professional bettors aren’t completely sold on the Angels, but recognize value in the home underdog.

More telling is the total, which has moved up from 8.5 to 9 despite Kirby’s career success and Anderson’s consistency. This movement indicates sharp money sees what I’m seeing – a Mariners starter who’s struggled since returning from injury facing an Angels lineup that just scored 8 runs last night and has shown newfound power.

Pitching Matchup: Kirby vs Anderson – Who Has the Edge?

Seattle Mariners: George Kirby (0-3, 8.56 ERA)

  • Has allowed 15 earned runs in just 13.2 innings since returning from injury
  • Command has been uncharacteristically poor with 4 walks and only 11 strikeouts
  • Opponents hitting a robust .318 against him in his three starts
  • Velocity has been inconsistent, dropping 1-2 mph from his career norms

Los Angeles Angels: Tyler Anderson (2-2, 3.86 ERA)

  • Quietly putting together a solid season with 65.1 innings of consistent work
  • Control has been respectable with 26 walks to 51 strikeouts
  • Has gone at least 5 innings in 9 of his 11 starts this season
  • Has allowed 3 or fewer runs in 7 of his last 8 outings

Advantage: Clear edge to Los Angeles. Kirby’s struggles since returning from injury are concerning, while Anderson has been a model of consistency for the Angels. Given Kirby’s inflated ERA and diminished command, the Angels have a significant advantage in the starting pitching department.

Bullpen Breakdown

Seattle’s normally reliable bullpen has shown cracks during their five-game losing streak, posting a 4.83 ERA over their last seven games. The unit has been overworked, averaging 4.1 innings per game during this stretch, putting additional pressure on Kirby to provide length today.

The Angels’ bullpen has been surprisingly effective lately, with Connor Brogdon emerging as a reliable middle-relief option and Kenley Jansen locking down saves despite allowing a solo homer to Cal Raleigh last night. Their 3.42 ERA over the past week gives them a slight edge over Seattle’s tired relief corps.

Key Betting Trends & Team Statistics That Matter

  • Seattle has lost 5 straight games and 12 of their last 17 overall
  • Angels have won back-to-back games against the Mariners in this series
  • Seattle’s offense has averaged just 3.6 runs per game during their 5-game skid
  • The Angels have scored in six consecutive innings in their last game, first time since 2011
  • George Kirby is 0-3 with an 8.56 ERA in three starts since returning from injury
  • Jo Adell is 13-for-32 (.406) with 5 homers in his last 10 games
  • Mariners’ star Julio Rodriguez is questionable after being hit by a line drive last night
  • Angels are 9-6 in their last 15 home games

Jo Adell’s Power Surge: How Long Can the Hot Streak Continue?

Jo Adell has completely transformed his season over the past two weeks. After struggling to a .184 average earlier this year, he’s been on an absolute tear, hitting .406 with five homers and nine RBIs in his last 10 games. Last night’s two-homer performance against the Mariners was particularly impressive, as both were absolute moonshots (431 and 445 feet).

What makes this matchup particularly appealing for Adell is Kirby’s tendency to work in the strike zone combined with his diminished velocity since returning from injury. Kirby typically pounds the zone, but without his usual life on the fastball, he’s become much more hittable – a recipe for disaster against a locked-in power hitter like Adell.

Angel Stadium Factor: How the Venue Influences Today’s Game

Angel Stadium has played relatively neutral this season (0.99 run factor), but several factors could contribute to a higher-scoring affair today:

  • Sunday afternoon game with temperatures expected around 75°F
  • Light winds (5-7 mph) blowing slightly out to right field
  • Daytime hitting conditions often favor hitters with better visibility
  • Both teams have shown power in this series with multiple home runs

The combination of these factors, along with Kirby’s struggles and Adell’s hot streak, suggests runs could be plentiful despite the park’s generally neutral tendencies.

Expert Prediction & Best Bets for Mariners-Angels Showdown

Primary Play: Los Angeles Angels Moneyline (+115)

I see significant value on the Angels as home underdogs here. George Kirby has been a shell of himself since returning from injury, while Anderson has been steady and reliable. The Mariners are in a tailspin, having lost five straight, and potentially missing Julio Rodriguez creates additional problems for their already struggling offense. Getting plus money on the home team with the more reliable starter is an excellent value proposition. I’d play this down to +105.

Strong Value Play: Jo Adell Over 1.5 Total Bases (+140)

This is my favorite prop on the board. Adell is seeing the ball extraordinarily well right now, and Kirby’s command issues make this a perfect matchup for the Angels slugger. He’s exceeded this total in 7 of his last 10 games, including last night’s two-homer performance. At +140, this offers tremendous value for a hitter who’s locked in against a pitcher who’s struggling.

Worth Considering: Game Total Over 9 Runs (-110)

With Kirby’s recent struggles (8.56 ERA) and Anderson’s tendency to allow his share of baserunners (1.27 WHIP), both offenses should have opportunities today. The Mariners still have power threats like Cal Raleigh (MLB-leading 26 homers), while the Angels have scored 13 runs in the first two games of this series. The total moving up suggests sharp money agrees with the over assessment.

Player Props Worth Targeting in Today’s Matchup

Player Prop Odds Rating
Jo Adell Over 1.5 Total Bases +140 ★★★★☆
Cal Raleigh To Hit a Home Run +320 ★★★☆☆
George Kirby Under 4.5 Strikeouts -125 ★★★★☆
Tyler Anderson Over 4.5 Strikeouts +115 ★★★☆☆
Taylor Ward To Record an RBI +170 ★★★☆☆

Final Thoughts: Angels Poised to Complete the Sweep

The betting market hasn’t fully adjusted to the Angels’ recent momentum and Kirby’s significant struggles since returning from injury. While Seattle remains the more talented team overall, they’re in a funk right now, and facing a pitcher with Anderson’s consistency doesn’t help their cause. Combine that with the uncertain status of Julio Rodriguez and Jo Adell’s power surge, and you have a recipe for an Angels victory.

I expect Anderson to provide a quality start while Kirby continues to search for his pre-injury form. Look for the Angels to complete the sweep behind another strong offensive showing from Adell and a stabilizing performance from their veteran left-hander.

Score Prediction: Angels 6, Mariners 4

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