Toronto Blue Jays vs Los Angeles Angels Prediction 7-28-23 MLB Picks

The Los Angeles Angels and the Toronto Blue Jays meet Friday in MLB action from Rogers Centre. The Angels are coming off a series versus the Tigers. After a close win in the opener, in the Thursday doubleheader Los Angeles bagged a pair of wins for a series sweep. As for Toronto, they played the Dodgers in their last set. The Blue Jays were able to win two of those three games for a series victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.

Los Angeles Angels 

The Angels were able to eke out a 7-6 10-inning victory over the Tigers on Tuesday thanks to two RBI from both Taylor Ward and Mike Moustakas. In the Thursday doubleheader Los Angeles took a 6-0 shutout win in the opener and an 11-4 victory in game two. The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani put up a 2-for-3 line in game two with two homers and three RBI. Hunter Rensfroe had three hits, two RBI and a homer as well. 

For the starter gig on Friday the Angels will go with Lucas Giolito. This year Giolito is 6-6 with a 3.79 ERA in 21 games. He’s got 131 strikeouts over 121.0 innings. Giolito posted 5.0 clean innings versus the Twins in his last start. 

Los Angeles Angels Team Facts

• The Angels have won each of their last five games as underdogs against AL East opponents.
• The Angels have covered the run line in each of their last six games as underdogs against American League opponents.
• The Angels have led after 7 innings in each of their last seven road games against American League opponents.
• The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Angels' last four games as underdogs.
• The Angels have led after 3 innings in each of their last five games as underdogs against AL East opponents.

Los Angeles Angels Player Prop Facts

• Luis Rengifo has recorded at least one RBI in each of the Angels' last five games against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
• Lucas Giolito has recorded nine or more strikeouts in three of his last four appearances against AL opponents.
• Shohei Ohtani has hit a home run in three of the Angels' last four road games against opponents that held a winning record.
• Mike Moustakas has recorded at least one hit in each of his last seven road appearances against opponents that held a winning record.
• Shohei Ohtani has scored at least one run in each of the Angels' last 10 games as underdogs against AL opponents.
• Shohei Ohtani has recorded two or more total bases in each of the Angels' last eight night games against AL opponents that held a winning record.
• Shohei Ohtani ranks 1st in the league in Home Runs (38) this season.

Toronto Blue Jays 

Over on the Blue Jays’ side, they lost 8-7 to the Dodgers on Tuesday but otherwise took victories 6-3 and 8-1 to win the series. In the finale, Toronto’s Whit Merrifield went off for two hits, two runs, four RBI and a homer. Cavan Biggio added a pair of runs, as did Vladimir Guerrero on a 2-for-5 evening. 

It’ll be Kevin Gausman in the starting role for the Blue Jays on Friday. Across 20 starts so far Gausman is 7-5 with a 3.18 ERA and 162 Ks in 121.2 innings. Gausman managed a no-decision versus the Mariners in his last start with four earned in 6.0 innings. 

Toronto Blue Jays Team Facts

• The Blue Jays have lost each of their last nine games against the Angels at Rogers Centre following a win.
• The underdogs have covered the run line in each of the Blue Jays' last eight games.
• The Blue Jays have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last three games as favourites against American League opponents.
• The Blue Jays have led after 7 innings in each of their last five home games against opponents that held a winning record.
• The 'Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Blue Jays' last five night games against American League opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Toronto Blue Jays ranks 3rd in the league for hits this season (929).
• The Toronto Blue Jays ranks 3rd in the league for strikeouts this season (979).
• The Los Angeles Angels ranks 3rd in the league for home runs this season (161).
• The Los Angeles Angels ranks 4th in the league for slugging percentage this season (.452).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll take a stab on the Angels here. Giolito needs to keep things rolling, though. Back on July 18 versus the Mets, Giolito gave up eight in 3.2 innings during a loss. That said, he’s been solid in the other pair among his latest three starts. As for Gausman, he’s gone 6.0 innings in each of his last two starts, adding up to six earned in his last 12.0 frames. The bullpen didn’t help Gausman in his last start however, as they surrendered five runs in just 2.0 innings. Los Angeles may have to outlast Gausman’s start in this opener but they should have some chances down the line.