Blue Jays vs Angels Pick: Toronto Tries to Take Advantage of Struggling LA (May 7)

• In our Blue Jays vs Angels pick, we assess whether Toronto will start on the long road back into contention
• Toronto is again one of MLB‘s biggest disappointments; LA is as bad as they were expected to be
• The Jays start veteran righty Jose Berrios; LA starts lefty Yusei Kikuchi

Toronto’s 2025 Season is Going Just Like 2024 Did

For several years, the Blue Jays have had great expectations for taking the next step in the AL to become a true World Series contender. Last season, they fell to 74-88. They made some major acquisitions this offseason, acquiring Andres Gimenez and Anthony Santander. However, they are still stumbling along.

To try and get on track, they turn to Jose Berrios. He has been one of Toronto’s best starters this season. In his past 3 starts, he has given up 5 earned runs in 18 innings. Overall, he has an ERA of 3.98. It is only that high because of a bad first start of the season, in which he gave up 6 runs in 5 innings.

Against Berrios, Tim Anderson has batted 42 times and has 11 hits, 1 double, and 1 RBI. Yoan Moncada is 12 for 39 with 3 doubles and 3 home runs. Luis Rengifo is 5 for 7 with a double and a home run. Jorge Soler is 6 for 23 with a double and a home run.

Santander has been a bust so far, batting below .200. George Springer is having an MVP-quality start with an OPS above .900. The Jays are sorely lacking in power. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Santander, and Springer are not hitting the ball out of the park as frequently as they have in the past.

Angels Hope Kikuchi Can Get Them a Rare Win

After a decent start, the Angels have been losing consistently. They have fallen into last place in the AL West and are likely to stay there. Veteran Yusei Kikuchi, a former Blue Jay, was signed in the offseason to give them some consistency.

He has done his part, but his record is 0-4. Except for a 2-inning stint against the Twins in which he gave up 4 runs and 9 hits, he has been quite good, giving the Angels at least 5 innings and frequently giving them 6 innings in every other start.

LA’s starting pitching has been adequate. Their problem is that their bullpen is bad, and their hitting has been worse. As a team, they have an OPS in the .650 range. Five starting players — Nolan Schanuel, Reginfro, Taylor Ward, Jo Adell, and Mike Trout — have a negative WAR. Tim Anderson, Travis d’Arnaud, and Yoan Moncada have a WAR of zero. Absolute zero.

Although he is a former Jay, Kikuchi has experience against many Toronto batters. Santander is 5 for 19 against him with a home run. Springer is 7 for 16 with a triple. Bichette is 1 for 9. Guerrero is 2 for 5.

Blue Jays vs Angels Pick: LA’s Woes Continue

As poorly as the Blue Jays have played, the Angels have played worse. They are worse. the Angels have trouble scoring; Berrios and Kikuchi will keep it close, but the Angels bullpen will cough it up.