MLB betting players thought that John Lackey would affect Boston's pitching staff in a positive way, but he's still getting used to his surroundings. Lackey will go up against his former teammates, the Los Angeles Angels, on Wednesday.

Angels vs Red Sox odds - Wednesday, May 5, 7:10 PM ET

Joel Pineiro (2-3, 5.76) has lost his last two starts, allowing 16 runs on 21 hits in 9.1 innings of work, and Detroit nailed him for three homers in his previous outing. He's 3-5 with a 6.24 ERA in his 10 career starts against the Red Sox, but he is familiar with Fenway Park as he spent part of 2007 with the Red Sox. It isn't all positive though, as the 31-year-old righty is 1-3 in 20 appearances (five starts, but not with Boston) with a 5.36 ERA.

Lackey (2-1, 4.50) threw a season-high 120 pitches in a no-decision in Baltimore, but he still doesn't have his stuff working 100%. So far, he's 1-1 with a 6.06 ERA in three starts this year, and Lackey has never fared well at Fenway Park, which the Red Sox must have known before they signed him.

The Red Sox should be favored in this game, and they won the first of this four-game set by a score of 17-8 on Monday. This won't be as high-scoring, but neither pitcher has inspired confidence this year after switching teams, so hitters should have a good night. It'll be interesting to see how Lackey handles his former teammates, and Boston gets the online betting edge in this contest due to his knowledge of the Angels' lineup.