Cleveland Guardians vs Los Angeles Angels Picks and Predictions May 31st 2025

Cleveland Guardians vs Los Angeles Angels May 31st 2025

The Angels will take on the Guardians at Progressive Field on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The game is set to begin at 4:10 PM in the afternoon. Fans can expect an exciting matchup between these two teams.

Kyle Hendricks will start on the mound for the Angels. He has an ERA of 5.23 and a WHIP of 1.26. The Guardians will counter with Slade Cecconi, who has an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.09. Both pitchers will look to give their teams a strong start in this afternoon game.

Angels vs Guardians Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Angels vs. Guardians
• Venue: Progressive Field
• Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
• Betting Odds: Guardians -1.5 (+116), Angels +1.5 (-140)

The Angels Can Win If…

The Los Angeles Angels recently secured a victory against the Cleveland Guardians with a 4-1 score. José Soriano delivered a strong performance, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing just four hits. Key contributions came from Jorge Soler, who hit a home run and drove in two runs, and Jo Adell, who went 3-for-4 with an RBI.

The Angels’ batting strength lies in their power, ranking third in the league with 80 home runs. Their slugging percentage of .405 places them eighth, indicating their ability to hit for extra bases. While their batting average and on-base percentage may not impress, their power can change the game’s momentum.

On the mound, Kyle Hendricks will start for the Angels. Despite a 5.23 ERA, his WHIP of 1.26 shows he can limit base runners. With 24 quality starts, the Angels’ pitching staff can provide the stability needed to support their powerful offense. This combination gives them a solid chance to come out on top against the Guardians.

The Guardians Can Win If…

The Cleveland Guardians are looking to bounce back after their recent 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Despite the defeat, starting pitcher Luis L. Ortiz delivered a solid performance, allowing just one run over six innings. Nolan Jones was a standout at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI, and Carlos Santana contributed with a run scored.

One reason the Guardians can win is their strong hitting lineup. José Ramírez leads the team with a .314 batting average and nine home runs, ranking second in the league. Kyle Manzardo adds power with ten home runs, the most on the team, while Carlos Santana has driven in 28 runs, topping the league charts.

The Guardians’ pitching also gives them an edge. Slade Cecconi, with an ERA of 3.27, takes the mound against the Angels. His WHIP of 1.09 indicates his ability to limit base runners, which can be crucial in securing a win. With their combination of hitting and pitching, the Guardians have a solid chance to come out on top in their next game.

The Lean

The Cleveland Guardians are favored to win with a moneyline of -186. The Angels have struggled with a .227 batting average and a 4.77 ERA. The Guardians have a slight edge in pitching and hitting, making them the safer pick. My model projects a score of Guardians 5, Angels 3, supporting a straight-up pick on the Guardians.

The over/under line is set at 8.0. The Angels’ pitching has been weak, allowing a .271 batting average against. The Guardians’ offense should capitalize on this, while their pitching can limit the Angels. My model projects a total of 8 runs, suggesting a push, but with the potential for the over if the Angels’ hitting improves. Taking the over at -109 is a reasonable play.

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Mike Trout Returns as Angels Eye Series Win Over Guardians

The Los Angeles Angels are looking to continue their resurgence after snapping a five-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night. The win marked a welcome return to form following their season-high eight-game winning streak earlier in May.

The biggest headline, however, was the return of Mike Trout. After missing 26 games with a bruised left knee, Trout rejoined the lineup as the designated hitter and went 1-for-5, singling off Guardians starter Luis Ortiz. His presence alone offers a boost to the clubhouse, and the Angels hope his return will help steady their roller coaster season.

Saturday’s Pitching Matchup: Hendricks vs. Cecconi

Los Angeles will send right-hander Kyle Hendricks (2-6, 5.23 ERA) to the mound on Saturday, a pitcher who has historically fared well against Cleveland. Hendricks owns a 2-0 record and a minuscule 0.75 ERA in two appearances against the Guardians.

Cleveland will counter with right-hander Slade Cecconi (1-1, 3.27 ERA), who struggled in his only previous outing against the Angels last season, allowing seven runs on 10 hits over three innings.

For more breakdowns on upcoming pitching duels and game previews, visit our MLB previews section.

Angels Finding Rhythm Again

Friday’s win featured six scoreless innings from Jose Soriano, who continues to thrive in Cleveland. He’s now 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in two career games at Progressive Field.

Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe underscored the importance of Trout’s return: “It’s been really good having him around the last few weeks, but obviously, we want him in the lineup. We know he can help.”

Manager Ron Washington emphasized caution, stating Trout will remain the designated hitter for the time being: “The most important thing is finding Mike a spot in the lineup.”

Los Angeles may also get a bullpen boost this weekend, as reliever Robert Stephenson could be available after exiting Friday’s game early due to elbow discomfort. Postgame examinations revealed no new damage following his recent return from Tommy John surgery.

Guardians Struggle Through Homestand

Cleveland has now dropped three of four during its six-game homestand against the Angels and Dodgers. On Friday, the offense stalled and their All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez saw his 21-game hitting streak end, though he extended his on-base streak to 26 games.

Even more concerning for the Guardians was the apparent injury to rookie reliever Andrew Walters. Walters allowed a home run to Jorge Soler in the ninth before grabbing his upper arm and exiting in clear discomfort. The team confirmed he will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury.

Manager Stephen Vogt spoke emotionally after the game: “He’s hurting both emotionally and physically, so you never want to see that.”

Betting Insights and Expert Picks

With the Angels showing signs of rebounding and Trout back in the mix, there could be value in monitoring how their betting odds shift across the series. Bettors can stay up to date with our MLB picks and predictions, or explore the latest expert betting advice to stay ahead of the curve.

Looking to invest in premium plays? Check out the top-rated MLB handicappers or browse available buy picks packages for expert-backed bets.

Outlook

The Angels are riding a wave of optimism as they aim for a series win in Cleveland. Trout’s health and Hendricks’ continued dominance over the Guardians could make the difference. Meanwhile, the Guardians hope to stabilize despite key injuries and offensive setbacks.

Saturday’s contest promises high-stakes drama as both teams look to gain traction in their respective divisions.