The Los Angeles Angels are navigating a turbulent season marked by injuries and coaching changes. Currently standing at 47-48, they find themselves three games behind the Seattle Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot as they gear up for a matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The absence of Mike Trout due to a knee injury and the unexpected departure of manager Ron Washington for health reasons have tested the team's resilience.

Trout, a three-time AL MVP, expressed confidence in the team's potential, suggesting that management recognizes the talent within the clubhouse. The Angels have gone 5-5 in their last ten games and are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014. As the July trade deadline looms, the front office is faced with a pivotal decision: should they strengthen the roster or consider trading assets like closer Kenley Jansen, who has been a reliable performer?

Major League Baseball's 2025 draft is set to kick off at 6 p.m. ET on July 13, with the Washington Nationals, following their lottery win, expected to select Oklahoma high school shortstop Ethan Holliday. Holliday is not only the son of All-Star Matt Holliday but also the brother of Jackson Holliday, who was the number one overall pick in 2022. This draft is anticipated to feature a rich crop of shortstops and left-handed pitchers, with college standout Kade Anderson from LSU being a strong candidate for the second pick.

In addition to Holliday and Anderson, other top prospects include Eli Willits, Liam Doyle, and Aiva Arquette, all likely to be picked in the top ten. The first three rounds will be broadcast on ESPN and MLB Network, while the remaining rounds will take place without televised coverage.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are currently 11 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West and 6.5 games out of the Wild Card race, a situation that might push them into a selling mode as the MLB trade deadline approaches. However, the team is hopeful for a turnaround as they attempt to halt a three-game losing streak with a matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. The Diamondbacks will start pitcher Merrill Kelly, who boasts a strong 3.41 ERA and has 107 strikeouts in 111 innings this season. Kelly's previous performance showed promise, allowing just one run over seven innings against San Diego. With a 57% chance of winning per simulation, he presents a favorable option for bettors focused on the Diamondbacks' money line at -104.

When building MLB bets for Sunday, consider the three-leg parlay suggested, including the Diamondbacks' money line against the Angels, the Giants +1.5 against the Dodgers, and the Phillies' money line against the Padres. The model forecasts a +478 payout, presenting a worthwhile investment for savvy bettors looking to capitalize before the All-Star break. With a proven track record in prop bets, this model could provide an edge in a crowded betting landscape.

The 2025 MLB Draft kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the Washington Nationals holding the coveted No. 1 pick. The decision looms large: will they choose from the talented college pitching crop, including LSU's Kade Anderson, Florida State's Jamie Arnold, or Tennessee's Liam Doyle? Alternatively, high school infielder Ethan Holliday remains a tantalizing option. Following the Nationals, teams like the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners are also strategizing their picks, shaping the initial direction of the draft.

Anticipation surrounds which players will emerge as significant steals on Day 1. Analysts predict that the top five will include exciting prospects that could make immediate impacts in the league. As teams finalize their strategies, fans can expect in-depth coverage from ESPN's experts, providing insights on each selection as they unfold.

Liam Doyle, a left-handed pitcher from Tennessee, has made significant strides in his game since transferring from Coastal Carolina and Ole Miss. Standing 6-foot-2, Doyle has emerged as a top prospect for the upcoming MLB Draft, boasting a remarkable 42.6% strikeout rate and finishing the season with 11 wins, placing him among the elite in Division I baseball. His performance has propelled him into contention to be the highest-drafted player from Tennessee since Nick Senzel in 2016.

Draft projections vary slightly, with some experts placing him at No. 2 overall to the Los Angeles Angels, while others see him going fifth to the St. Louis Cardinals. The consensus among analysts points toward him being one of the first pitchers selected, showcasing his impressive swing-and-miss ability. Doyle's collegiate stats reflect steady improvement, capping off a standout season with 164 strikeouts in 95.2 innings at Tennessee.