MLB Game Preview: Los Angeles Angels (43-43) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (49-38)

Matchup: Los Angeles Angels (43–43) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (49–38)
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 7:07 PM ET
Venue: Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
Watch: Apple TV+

Game Overview

The Toronto Blue Jays return home riding a five-game winning streak, including a four-game sweep of the Yankees. They’ll open a three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels, who just took a series from the Braves and are looking to stay above .500.

This is the fourth meeting between the teams this season, with the Angels holding a slight 2–1 edge. However, Toronto has won 8 of the last 10 head-to-head matchups, and they’ve been dominant at home with a 29–16 record.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Eric Lauer (Blue Jays)

• Record: 4–1
• ERA: 2.60
• WHIP: 1.07
• Strikeouts: 45 in 45.2 IP
• Home ERA: 2.25
• Opponent AVG: .207

Lauer has been outstanding since joining the Jays, especially at home. He’s held opponents scoreless in 5 of his 12 appearances and has a 9.0 K/9 rate. The Angels are hitting just .219 vs. lefties, second-worst in MLB.

Kyle Hendricks (Angels)

• Record: 5–6
• ERA: 4.66
• WHIP: 1.30
• Strikeouts: 60 in 87.2 IP
• Opponent AVG: .265

Hendricks has been serviceable but inconsistent. He’s allowed 3+ earned runs in 4 of his last 6 starts and struggles against right-handed hitters, who are batting .322 with a .902 OPS against him.

Key Hitters to Watch

Blue Jays

• George Springer: .285 AVG, 15 HR, 51 RBI
  • 8-for-14 with 4 HR and 11 RBI in last series vs. Yankees
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: .278 AVG, 12 HR, 49 BB
  • .322 xBA and .536 xSLG
• Bo Bichette: .309 AVG at home, 9 HR, 29 RBI
• Addison Barger: 3 HR, 8 RBI in last 10 games

Angels

• Taylor Ward: .421 AVG in last 5 games, 20 HR, 57 RBI
  • 11th in MLB in HR, 16th in RBI
• Nolan Schanuel: .273 AVG, 16 2B, 8 HR
• Jo Adell: 18 HR, .243 AVG
• Zach Neto: .264 AVG, 15 2B, 12 HR

Team Stats & Trends

Category	Angels	Blue Jays
Team Batting Avg	.229 (28th in MLB)	.258 (3rd in MLB)
Slugging %	.409 (9th)	.404 (12th)
Home Runs	127 (4th)	92 (16th)
Runs Scored	371 (16th)	401 (11th)
Bullpen ERA	4.11	4.55
Last 10 Games	6–4	8–2

Toronto is red-hot and has a significant edge in both starting pitching and offensive consistency. Lauer’s dominance at home and the Angels’ struggles vs. lefties make the Jays the clear favorite.

Betting Trends

• Blue Jays are 8–2 in their last 10 games
• Angels are 7–3 ATS in their last 10 games
• Over is 7–3 in Angels’ last 10 games
• Under is 5–1 in last 6 meetings between these teams