August 20, 2025

Game Preview

Written by: David Mitchell

David has been analyzing MLB matchups and umpire tendencies for professional bettors since 2018.

Reds vs Angels: Betting Preview & Props (Aug 20)

Last updated: August 20, 2025

Game Time: 8/20, 09:38PM

Matchup Setup

The Cincinnati Reds travel to face the Los Angeles Angels in an intriguing matchup. The Angels are favored at -137 according to DraftKings, while the Reds are +113 underdogs, with a notable 76% of the money backing the Reds. This game presents unique angles for bettors, particularly in pitcher performance and lineup matchups.

Pitcher Breakdown

Pitching Matchup: Nick Martinez vs Yusei Kikuchi

Nick Martinez (CIN):

Martinez brings a diverse arsenal to the mound: Four-Seam Fastball (21% usage, 92.5 mph), Cutter (21% usage, 88.9 mph), Changeup (19% usage, 78.5 mph), Sinker (17% usage, 92.4 mph), Slider (12% usage, 84.8 mph), Curveball (10% usage, 79.6 mph). This blend of pitches suggests a pitch-mix artist rather than a velocity-heavy style. The Angels lineup averages .237 this season with a projected xBA of .251 against Martinez's arsenal, indicating potential trouble for Martinez.

Yusei Kikuchi (LAA):

Kikuchi relies heavily on a Slider (36% usage, 87.5 mph) and a Four-Seam Fastball (35% usage, 94.9 mph), complemented by a Curveball (16% usage, 80.3 mph) and Changeup (12% usage, 85.8 mph). The Reds lineup, which averages .265, projects to struggle at .237 against Kikuchi, showcasing his effectiveness against their hitters.

Batting Edges vs Arsenal

Lineup Matchups & Batting Edges

For Cincinnati vs Yusei Kikuchi: The Reds lineup averages .265 this season but projects to .237 against Kikuchi's arsenal.

TJ Friedl: Season BA .267 → xBA vs arsenal .234 (-33 points), Season K% 16.3% → Arsenal K% 21.8% (+5.5%)
Jose Trevino: Season BA .256 → xBA vs arsenal .201 (-55 points), Season K% 11.8% → Arsenal K% 12.1% (+0.3%)

For Los Angeles vs Nick Martinez: The Angels lineup averages .237 this season but projects to .251 against Martinez's arsenal.

Jo Adell: Season BA .228 → xBA vs arsenal .284 (+56 points), Season K% 26.0% → Arsenal K% 27.2% (+1.2%)
Bryce Teodosio: Season BA .250 → xBA vs arsenal .184 (-66 points), Season K% 22.5% → Arsenal K% 28.0% (+5.5%)

K-Risk Analysis

Strikeout Risks & Rewards

The Reds' projected K-rate is 21.1% vs Kikuchi — up 3.3% from their 17.9% season average.
The Angels' projected K-rate is 25.1% vs Martinez — down 0.8% from their 25.9% season average.

Behind the Plate

Behind the Plate: Umpire assignment has not been announced, which makes prop volatility a concern.

What to Bet On

📢 Prop Alert: Jo Adell (.228 → .284, +56 points) meets betting lean criteria!

⚡ K Prop Alert: No significant statistical edges meet our strikeout prop criteria in this matchup.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Jo Adell shows a strong batting advantage against Nick Martinez's arsenal, meeting our betting lean criteria.
Yusei Kikuchi's arsenal projects a strong matchup against the Reds' lineup, but no significant strikeout prop opportunities were identified.
With no umpire announced, prop volatility could be higher than usual, advising caution on certain bets.
Overall, the pitching matchup slightly favors the Angels, but heavy betting support for the Reds could indicate potential value.

🧠 FAQs

Q: Who is the best betting prop for the Reds vs Angels game? A: Jo Adell meets our strict betting criteria with a projected xBA significantly higher than his season average.

Q: Is the umpire a pitcher-friendly umpire? A: Umpire assignment has not been announced, so this aspect remains uncertain.

Q: What time is the Reds vs Angels game? A: The game is scheduled for 09:38PM on August 20th.

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