MLB.TV Free Game of the Day Betting Picks for Phillies-Angels (5/1/24)

The lengthy MLB season can cause some games to get lost in the shuffle, but MLB.TV provides fans with a Free Game of the Day throughout the regular season that can also be seen on FanDuel TV+ here, or also available on Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, and FanDuel Sportsbook.

Why not add to the viewing excitement by getting in on the MLB odds over at FanDuel Sportsbook?

For this article, we've got you covered with a betting guide for each Free Game of the Day. With that, let's take a look at some of the best bets for today's free game.

Note: Lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. All stats come from FanGraphs and Baseball Savant unless noted otherwise. Please check here to make sure you're seeing the most updated projections.

MLB Betting Picks

Phillies vs. Angels Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline

• Time: 4:07 p.m. ET
• Spread: Phillies -1.5 (-115)
• Total: 8.0
• Moneyline:
  • Angels: +158
  • Phillies: -188

Best Bet

Phillies -1.5 (-115)/Phillies Over 4.5 Runs (-120)

The Philadelphia Phillies (20-11) will wrap up a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels (11-19) this late afternoon for today’s Free Game of the Day.

From a betting perspective, we should be backing all things Philadelphia, and you can keep that in mind for any live bets you like as FanDuel Sportsbook is offering a 30% profit boost on a live wager for this Phillies-Angels clash.

Zack Wheeler is on the bump for them, and he will have plenty of chances to shine against an Angels team that just lost Mike Trout (torn meniscus) for the umpteenth time.

Trout leads the MLB in home runs (10), and his absence will be felt for the Angels, who are getting on base against righties at the 10th-lowest rate while striking out at the sixth-highest clip.

Wheeler, meanwhile, hasn’t missed a beat since finishing sixth place in last year's NL Cy Young voting. He’s rocking with a 1.93 ERA, 2.85 SIERA, and a whopping 31.1% K% through six starts (37 1/3 IP).

Look for Wheeler, who has already registered three scoreless outings of six-plus innings, to cruise in this one.

Patrick Sandoval will take the mound for Los Angeles -- more good news for Philadelphia.

Through six starts (27.0 IP), Sandoval is struggling with a 6.33 ERA, 4.27 SIERA, and 1.78 WHIP. His ERA is the 12th-worst among pitchers who have logged at least 20 IP this season. Further, his WHIP is the eighth-worst.

Since the start of 2023, Philadelphia’s active roster is sporting a .266 BA (7th-best), .456 SLG (4th), .190 ISO (5th), 115 wRC+ (11th), and 15.6% HR/FB ratio (4th) against left-handed pitchers. They’re averaging 4.74 runs per game (12th-most) overall this season, and I expect them their offense to have a big day in this friendly matchup.

Philadelphia’s 5.52 relief ERA (second-worst) and Los Angeles’ 5.61 relief ERA (worst) make up two of the worst bullpens in baseball.

I have faith that Wheeler can go long against an uninspiring Halos lineup, and perhaps there could be little room for damage between him and Jeff Hoffman (1.29 ERA through 14 IP) or Jose Alvarado, who has let up just one run in his last 12 outings.

Best Prop

Alec Bohm To Record An RBI (+115)

Alec Bohm has knocked in 30 runs (second-most in the MLB) this season. He’s recorded at least one RBI in 17 out of 30 games started (56.7% of games), so I’m happy to get this prop at +115 odds (46.5% implied probability).

It doesn’t hurt that Philly’s cleanup batter is in for an awesome matchup.

Since the start of 2023, Bohm has posted a .318 BA, .600 SLG, .282 ISO, and 154 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers. All of these are team-best marks on a squad that is filled with heavy hitters. Bohm is striking out at just a 14.1% clip against lefties

Sandoval, meanwhile, has let up a .324 BA, .467 SLG, and 33.3% hard-hit rate to righties this season.

I’d give Bohm To Record 2+ RBIs (+440) a look, too. Sandoval’s 1.78 WHIP is among the worst in the MLB, so I like Bohm’s chances to get a couple of at-bats with runners on.

He’s smashed 12 doubles (second-most in MLB) and owns the second-best batting average, so these odds seem a bit friendlier than they should be for the cleanup batter.

All customers get a 30% Profit Boost to use for any LIVE wager placed on the Phillies vs. Angels game happening May 1st! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today’s other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

Looking for more MLB betting opportunities? Check out all of the MLB odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.