Preview for Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Schedule and player information can change.
Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels
Seattle heads into this matchup with George Kirby on the mound, and his season-to-date numbers look solid across the board, with a 4.25 ERA alongside a WP-calculated FIP of 3.91 over approximately 165.3 innings pitched. That FIP being noticeably lower than his ERA suggests his underlying performance may have been a bit better than the ERA alone lets on. Los Angeles counters with Yusei Kikuchi, who has a 4.75 ERA and a WP-calculated FIP of 4.26 across about 53.0 innings pitched, numbers that trail Kirby's in both categories.
Looking at the team-level figures, Seattle's offense carries a WP-estimated wOBA of 0.303, edging out the Angels' 0.298, giving the Mariners a slight advantage at the plate based on these figures. On the run-prevention side, Seattle's team ERA sits at 4.22 with a WP-estimated FIP of 4.10, while Los Angeles checks in with a team ERA of 4.19 and a WP-estimated FIP of 4.17. The Angels hold a small edge in team ERA, but Seattle's FIP is lower, making the pitching comparison close between the two clubs.
On the injury front, Los Angeles has Nacho Alvarez listed on the 60-Day IL, Sam Bachman listed on the 15-Day IL, and Gustavo Campero listed on the 10-Day IL, while Seattle has Matt Brash, Nick Davila, and Brennen Davis all listed on the 60-Day IL. Taken together, the pitching matchup favors Seattle given Kirby's stronger ERA and FIP figures compared to Kikuchi's, and the Mariners also carry a higher team wOBA and lower team FIP, giving them the edge across most of the available numbers in this contest.
Statistical scope: MLB Stats API; 2026 regular season season-to-date; exact statistical through-date not supplied.
WP selection: Angels +1.5. Confidence: Slight Lean.
The selection is supplied separately by WP. The comparisons above do not establish why the model made this selection.
WP home-run candidate for Angels: Mike Trout. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
WP home-run candidate for Mariners: Lazaro Montes. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
Predictions are uncertain; no outcome is guaranteed. Check the picks page for the latest available selections.