MLB Game Preview: Detroit Tigers (21-12) vs. Los Angeles Angels (12-19)

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The Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels are set to face off in an interleague matchup on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Tigers enter the game with a 21-12 record, riding a three-game winning streak, while the Angels sit at 12-19, looking to snap a six-game losing streak and turn their season around.

Game Details

  • Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • Location: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
  • Start Time: 9:38 p.m. ET / 6:38 p.m. PT
  • TV Broadcast: MLB Network, Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports West
  • Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (Tigers), KLAA 830 AM (Angels)

Team Breakdown

Detroit Tigers (21-12, 1st in AL Central)

The Tigers have been strong on the road, boasting an 8-9 record away from home. Their offense has been led by Spencer Torkelson, who has nine home runs and 26 RBIs, while Riley Greene has been a key contributor, going 15-for-39 with a double and five home runs over the last 10 games.

Key Strengths:

  • Power Hitting – Detroit ranks sixth in MLB with 43 home runs.
  • Strong Pitching Staff – Tigers pitchers have a 2.86 ERA over their last 10 games, showing dominance.
  • Momentum & Confidence – Detroit has won seven of its last 10 games, outscoring opponents by 28 runs.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Strikeout Rate – The Tigers rank middle of the pack in strikeouts per game.
  • Injury Concerns – Several key players, including John Brebbia (triceps) and Parker Meadows (arm), remain sidelined.

Los Angeles Angels (12-19, 5th in AL West)

The Angels have struggled offensively, ranking last in MLB in total hits (216). Mike Trout has been a bright spot, hitting nine home runs, while Zach Neto has contributed three doubles and three home runs over the last 10 games.

Key Strengths:

  • Home Field Advantage – The Angels have a 5-6 record at Angel Stadium.
  • Slugging Power – Los Angeles ranks third in the AL with 44 home runs.
  • Defensive Efficiency – The Angels rank middle of the pack in fielding percentage.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Offensive Struggles – The Angels rank last in MLB in batting average (.212).
  • Recent Losing Streak – Los Angeles has lost six straight games, raising concerns about consistency.

Starting Pitchers

Detroit Tigers – Jack Flaherty (1-3, 3.34 ERA, 38 K)

Flaherty has been steady this season, posting a 3.34 ERA in 32 1/3 innings. In his last start against Houston, he pitched five innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits.

Los Angeles Angels – Kyle Hendricks (0-3, 4.89 ERA, 27 K)

Hendricks has struggled this season, posting a 4.89 ERA in 33 innings. He’ll need to improve his command and limit Detroit’s hitters to give Los Angeles a chance.

Game Prediction & Key Matchups

Key Matchups:

  • Torkelson vs. Hendricks – Torkelson leads Detroit’s offense and will look to capitalize on Hendricks’ pitching.
  • Trout vs. Flaherty – Trout has been a consistent hitter for Los Angeles, but Flaherty’s dominance could neutralize him.
  • Bullpen Battle – Detroit’s bullpen ranks better than Los Angeles’, which could be a deciding factor.

Game Odds

Detroit Tigers                    – 185

Los Angeles Angels         8.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 2, 2025