The Toronto Blue Jays long season-opening road trip next takes them out west to face Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani in what is the Los Angeles Angels home opener.
The Blue Jays responded after a slow start to the season by taking three in a row from the Royals, while the Angels have opened their season with back-to-back series wins and tonight they hand the ball to Patrick Sandoval, who has carried a strong 2022 over into this season.
MLB odds also have the Halos as favorites against a familiar face, as the Jays are countering with former Oakland A’s starter Chris Bassitt, whose Blue Jays tenure got off to a rough start but he’s a veteran and shouldn’t let that keep him down.
I break down this intriguing American League matchup and bring you my best free MLB pick for tonight's Blue Jays vs. Angels matchup.
Blue Jays vs Angels odds
Blue Jays vs Angels predictions
The Los Angeles Angels should not expect any surprises when they dig in tonight against Chris Bassitt, as the right-hander has made plenty of starts against the Angels during his tenure with Oakland.
Bassitt is also looking to rebound after his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays did not go as planned, to say the least: He was tagged for three home runs — in the first inning — his last time out, eventually allowing nine runs on 10 hits in just 3 1/3 innings of work.
It was one of the worst starts of his career, but maybe a matchup with the Halos is just what he needs to get back on track.
Bassitt has a career 3.43 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in 12 games (10 starts) against Los Angeles. While he didn’t face the Angels last season as a member of the Mets, in 2021 he took the ball three times against them... and dominated. Bassitt allowed just two earned runs on 13 hits while striking out 24 in 23 2/3 innings of work. All three starts lasted at least seven innings and he basically owned everyone not named Mike Trout.
Meanwhile, the Angels hand the ball to Patrick Sandoval. The left-hander had a rough start against the Blue Jays last May, but overall is coming off a solid season, pitching to a 2.91 ERA, and is exactly the pitcher the Angels have been wanting in their rotation for years.
He’s also carried that strong season into 2023, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out eight in 7 1/3 innings for team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, then he gave up just one run on two hits in his first start for the Angels this year.
The Blue Jays have traditionally done well against left-handers, but there aren’t many pitchers in baseball in a better groove than Sandoval, while I expect Bassitt to bounce back vs. a lineup he’s had success against in the past.
I think this total is not giving the starters enough respect here, but the bullpens give me some concern — so I’m looking at pitching to be the story early and taking the five-inning Under.
My best bet: Under 5 first five innings (-110 at DraftKings)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Best MLB bonuses
Looking to bet on some baseball action? Here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) Get a 33% profit boost on one MLB same-game parlay every day at Caesars! Opt-in Now
B) Get a profit boost (up to 100%) on one MLB same-game parlay at DraftKings! Opt-in Now
*Eligible USA locations only. Also, check out our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Blue Jays vs Angels moneyline analysis
This American League matchup opened at basically a pick’em but it’s the Angels who saw the early money with Los Angeles now a -125 home favorite and the Blue Jays +105 road underdogs.
And there may be a little value with the Jays at that price.
Toronto is in the midst of a season-opening extended road trip, as their stadium finishes up some remodeling... and then they lost three of their first four games, thanks to some shaky starting pitching... and not just from Bassitt.
But they took care of business, winning three games in a row against the Royals, but it’s unclear how much you can take away from a series with Kansas City. However, the bats did wake up in that series and Matt Chapman and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are particularly hot.
Plus, the Jays handled lefties fairly well in 2022, ranking 10th in batting average and OPS — plus they got to Sandoval for five earned runs on five hits in three innings last May.
The Angels are in a bit of a similar spot: A road trip to being the year and a tough loss to start the season before winning four of their last five. Somewhat shockingly though, it’s been the pitching that’s gotten the job done as the team ranks 19th in average and 17th in OPS so far this season.
I’m not sure the Angels have an edge in starters tonight, and the Jays bats have been more consistent early on. I would lean toward Toronto... as long as you’re getting plus money.
Blue Jays vs Angels Over/Under analysis
The total for this matchup hit the board at 8.5 and has been bet up to 9.5. As mentioned above, I think oddsmakers are undervaluing this pitching matchup.
Since I’m on the five-inning Under, I would lean toward the full-game Under as well.
However, the potential of these two solid lineups and two bullpens that are good (not great) makes me think there could be some runs scored late in this one and gives me a little reason to pause.
Blue Jays vs Angels game info
| Location: | Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA |
| Date: | Friday, April 7, 2023 |
| First pitch: | 9:38 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MLB Network |
Blue Jays vs Angels betting preview
Starting pitchers
Chris Bassitt (0-1, 24.30 ERA): Bassitt’s Blue Jays debut did not go as planned, giving up three home runs in his first inning of work against the Cardinals. But the right-hander has been one of the most reliable starters in baseball over the past few years and should bounce back.
Patrick Sandoval (1-0, 1.80 ERA): Sandoval carried his strong performance in the World Baseball Classic into his first start of the regular season. The left-hander pitched to a 2.91 ERA and struck out more than a batter an inning last season.
Latest injuries
Trend to know
The Under went 3-0-1 in Sandoval's final four starts at home last season. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Angels
