Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros Picks and Predictions September 1st 2025

Angels vs Astros Picks and Predictions — September 1, 2025

The Los Angeles Angels visit the Houston Astros for a Labor Day matchup at Daikin Park. Houston (75-62) sits atop the AL West despite recent offensive struggles, while Los Angeles (64-72) has won back-to-back games and aims to play spoiler down the stretch.

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The Angels will start left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 3.68 ERA), while Houston counters with right-hander Luis Garcia, making his long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery. First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. ET. Betting markets list Houston as a -144 favorite, Los Angeles at +122, with the total at 8.5. For recent trends, review the latest MLB game results.

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Angels Can Win If…

Yusei Kikuchi regains command and the offense delivers with power. Despite a rough outing against Texas (6 runs in 4 IP), Kikuchi has been steady most of the season with a 3.68 ERA. He’s struggled historically against Houston (1-5, 5.67 ERA), but if he keeps the ball in the yard, Los Angeles has a chance.

“We’ve shown we can hit for power,” interim manager Ray Montgomery said, pointing to the club’s 190 home runs this season.

Mike Trout (20 HR) and Zach Neto (24 HR) provide thump, while Oswald Peraza’s recent homer showed the Angels can capitalize on mistakes. If Kikuchi limits damage, the bats can make this a winnable matchup.

Astros Can Win If…

Luis Garcia provides stability in his return and the bats wake up. Garcia, out since May 2023 due to Tommy John surgery, was sharp in rehab appearances (3.30 ERA, 38 K in 30 IP). He’s fared well against the Angels in his career (3-2, 3.48 ERA).

“Once we get those opportunities to drive people in, we’ve got to stay in our plan,” manager Joe Espada said of the team’s RISP struggles.

Jeremy Peña (.305 AVG) and Jose Altuve (23 HR) lead the attack, while Yordan Alvarez’s return from the IL should eventually spark production. If Houston controls at-bats and Garcia delivers 5+ solid innings, the Astros should reclaim momentum.

Key MLB Betting Trends

The Lean

Pick: Astros -144
Projected Final Score: Astros 5, Angels 3
Total Lean: Under 8.5

Houston’s pitching advantage and Garcia’s return give them the edge, while the Angels’ inconsistency on the road makes them a risky underdog. Expect the Astros’ offense to do just enough while the pitching holds Los Angeles in check.

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