Date: May 6, 2025
Time: 9:38 PM ET
Venue: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
Broadcast: Bally Sports West, Sportsnet
Matchup Overview
The Toronto Blue Jays (16-18) travel to Anaheim to face the Los Angeles Angels (13-20) in the first game of a three-game series. Both teams are looking to gain momentum after inconsistent starts to the season. The Blue Jays enter as -116 favorites, while the Angels are -104 underdogs, signaling an expected tight matchup.
Starting Pitchers
Toronto Blue Jays – José Berríos (1-1, 4.26 ERA, 32 K)
- Last Start: 6 innings, 3 earned runs vs. Boston.
- Season Stats: 4.26 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, .238 opponent batting average.
- Analysis: Berríos has been solid but will need to limit hard contact against an Angels lineup that ranks fifth in the AL in home runs (44).
Los Angeles Angels – Tyler Anderson (2-0, 2.67 ERA, 27 K)
- Last Start: 6 innings, 2 earned runs vs. Seattle.
- Season Stats: 2.67 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, .174 opponent batting average.
- Analysis: Anderson has thrown three consecutive quality starts, averaging 5.5 innings per outing. His ability to control Toronto’s lineup will be key.
Key Players to Watch
Toronto Blue Jays
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Has five home runs and an .826 OPS in 32 career games vs. the Angels.
- Bo Bichette – Leads the team in hits and provides consistent offensive production.
- George Springer – Batting .238 with three home runs, looking to heat up.
Los Angeles Angels
- Logan O’Hoppe – Batting .276, with nine home runs and 15 RBIs.
- Zach Neto – Has been hot, going 15-for-42 with three home runs in his last 10 games.
- Mike Trout (Injured) – Out with a knee injury, leaving a gap in the Angels’ lineup.
Game Storylines & Predictions
1. Can Toronto’s Offense Break Through?
The Blue Jays rank 27th in slugging percentage (.351) and last in MLB in home runs (23). They’ll need a strong offensive showing to challenge Anderson.
2. Angels’ Home Struggles
Los Angeles has a 6-7 record at home, struggling to capitalize on home-field advantage.
3. Pitching Duel – Anderson vs. Berríos
Anderson has been one of the Angels’ most reliable starters, while Berríos is looking to prove himself. The outcome may hinge on which pitcher controls the game.
Game Odds
Toronto Blue Jays – 118
Los Angeles Angels 9
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 5, 2025
