Los Angeles Angels vs Toronto Blue Jays Picks and Predictions May 7th 2025

Stories of Redemption Fuel Angels and Blue Jays Ahead of Game 2

Both the Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays are looking for sparks—and signs of turnaround—from key players and veterans in the midst of slow starts. When the two struggling AL teams continue their three-game series Wednesday in Anaheim, redemption will be the undercurrent as two players look to rediscover their form and deliver on lofty expectations.

Taylor Ward Finds a Breakthrough Moment

Taylor Ward’s 2025 season hadn’t been kind entering Tuesday night, with just one hit and 13 strikeouts in his previous 27 at-bats. Determined to break the slump, Ward spent extended time in the batting cage with a unique twist—facing a live minor league pitcher brought in specifically for him. That live-arm tune-up might have been exactly what he needed.

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Ward responded with authority, launching a 419-foot, two-run homer in the first inning of the Angels’ 8-3 win over the Blue Jays.

“It was just to get him some extra stuff… He had to make adjustments. That’s what it’s all about.”
— Ron Washington, Angels Manager

Ward is expected to continue his extra reps on Wednesday. Given the Angels’ league-worst .216 batting average, Washington hinted that others may benefit from a similar hands-on approach.

“If you ask me, we should have had the whole team out here.”
— Ron Washington

Kikuchi Faces Former Team Seeking First Angels Win

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (0-4, 4.21 ERA) gets the ball for Los Angeles, still seeking his first win in an Angels uniform. While the record doesn’t show it, Kikuchi has been serviceable, with three quality starts and five outings allowing three or fewer earned runs.

He’ll face a familiar foe in Toronto, where he spent three seasons. In three career starts against the Blue Jays, Kikuchi holds an impressive 1.77 ERA with a 2-0 record.

Berrios Looks to Build Momentum for Blue Jays

Toronto sends right-hander Jose Berrios (1-1, 3.98 ERA) to the hill. Berrios is coming off a strong outing against Boston where he tossed 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball and struck out eight. However, his history against the Angels is less encouraging—3-5 with a 5.64 ERA in 10 career starts.

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Offensively, the Blue Jays are still seeking more from their own offseason acquisition, Anthony Santander. Despite hitting his fifth homer of the season on Tuesday, Santander is batting just .180 with a .597 OPS—far from the 44-homer form he showed last year with Baltimore.

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“Nothing ever changes with him or his work ethic… Tony’s routine and his commitment to being the best he can possibly be is as good as it gets.”
— Ross Atkins, Blue Jays GM

Like Ward, Santander represents a player capable of unlocking another level for his team if he can return to form.

Whether you’re betting on Kikuchi’s first win or Santander’s reawakening bat, make sure your plays are backed by data with the latest MLB Picks and Expert Insights tailored to daily matchups.