MLB Game Preview: Washington Nationals (33-48) vs. Los Angeles Angels (40-40)

Match Details

• Fixture: Washington Nationals vs Los Angeles Angels
• Competition: Major League Baseball – Regular Season
• Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
• First Pitch: 9:38 PM ET
• Venue: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
• Broadcast: Fubo (regional), MLB.TV, Bally Sports West, MASN

Match Significance

This Nationals vs Angels MLB 2025 series opener features two teams with contrasting momentum. The Angels are riding a three-game home winning streak and sit at .500, while the Nationals are trying to snap a skid and climb out of the NL East basement. With José Soriano and Jake Irvin set to start, this game could hinge on early command and bullpen execution.

Washington Nationals – Team Overview

• Record: 33-48 (5th in NL East)
• Last 10 Games: 3-7
• Manager: Dave Martinez
• Probable Starter: Jake Irvin (RHP, 6-3, ERA TBD)

Strengths

• James Wood: 22 HR, 19 doubles – emerging power bat
• CJ Abrams: .288 AVG, 13-for-40 in last 10 games
• Team ranks 7th in stolen bases (68) – aggressive on the basepaths

Concerns

• 5.32 team ERA over last 10 games
• Injuries to Keibert Ruiz, Dylan Crews, Paul DeJong, and multiple relievers
• 17-24 road record

Keys to Victory

Irvin must limit walks and keep the ball in the park. If Abrams and Wood can set the tone early, the Nationals could pressure the Angels’ bullpen late.

Los Angeles Angels – Team Overview

• Record: 40-40 (3rd in AL West)
• Last 10 Games: 7-3
• Manager: Ron Washington
• Probable Starter: José Soriano (RHP, 5-5, 3.39 ERA, 80 K in 93.2 IP)

Strengths

• Taylor Ward: 19 HR, .460 SLG – team’s top power threat
• Jo Adell: 4 HR, 7 RBI in last 10 games
• Soriano has 3 straight quality starts, averaging 5.8 IP per outing

Concerns

• Team batting average of .227 (29th in MLB)
• Injuries to Jorge Soler, Zach Neto, and Anthony Rendon
• Bullpen has been inconsistent in one-run games

Keys to Victory

Soriano must continue his efficient form and work deep into the game. If Ward and Adell stay hot, the Angels’ offense should be able to capitalize on Irvin’s occasional command issues.

Head-to-Head & Betting Insights

• Season Series: First meeting of 2025

Recent Trends

• Angels: 2.32 ERA, +16 run differential over last 10 games
• Nationals: .249 AVG, -8 run differential in same span
• Over/Under: Angels games have gone OVER in 40 of 80 contests

Tactical Insight & Prediction

Expect a tightly contested game early with both starters capable of limiting damage. The Angels’ home-field advantage and Soriano’s recent form give them the edge, but if Irvin can keep the game close, Washington’s speed and top-of-the-order bats could make it interesting.