Los Angeles Angels vs Miami Marlins Picks and Predictions May 23rd 2025

Angels Host Marlins as Winning Streak Reaches Seven

The Los Angeles Angels have flipped the switch—and they’ve done it in style. As they return home to Anaheim on Friday night to face the Miami Marlins, the Halos are riding a seven-game win streak, their longest since 2022.

It’s not just the wins—it’s how they’re doing it. The Angels just wrapped up a 10-game road trip with an 8-2 record, averaging nearly 7 runs per game along the way. Their lineup is suddenly one of the most explosive in the league, and with momentum on their side, they’re aiming to keep it rolling against a struggling Miami squad.

Ward and O’Hoppe Powering the Lineup

Two names have consistently been at the heart of this offensive explosion: Taylor Ward and Logan O’Hoppe. Both sluggers hit home runs in Thursday’s 10-5 win over Oakland, bringing their season totals to 14 each.

This kind of production has been game-changing, turning close contests into blowouts and giving the Angels’ pitching staff plenty of breathing room. If Ward and O’Hoppe keep swinging with this kind of authority, the Angels could keep rising in the standings.

Keep up with batting trends and hot hitters on the Angels Team Page.

Nolan Schanuel’s Approach Is Evolving

While Ward and O’Hoppe provide the power, Nolan Schanuel has been the table-setter. He leads the team with 45 hits and boasts a .372 on-base percentage—but he’s not content.

After just three home runs through the early part of the season, Schanuel’s been working with hitting coach Johnny Washington and assistants Tim Laker and Jayson Nix to evolve his swing approach.

“I’m hunting mistakes, honestly,” Schanuel said this week. His shift from “just make contact” to “do damage” is starting to show, and it could unlock another layer of his game.

Kikuchi Searches for First Win of Season

With all eyes on the offense, it’s easy to overlook the Angels’ Friday night starter, Yusei Kikuchi, who enters his 11th start of the season still searching for win number one.

Despite an 0-4 record, Kikuchi has quietly put together a solid year, posting a 3.50 ERA and keeping the Angels in games. His last outing? He allowed just one run and three hits over 5 2/3 innings against the Dodgers.

Kikuchi has only faced the Marlins once before, tossing six scoreless innings in a 2023 no-decision.

Need pitching matchup insights? Head to the MLB Picks Page for expert takes.

Marlins Counter With Struggling Alcantara

If there’s one pitcher who’d like a reset button, it’s Sandy Alcantara. The Marlins’ right-hander enters Friday’s game with a 2-6 record and a sky-high 7.99 ERA.

Alcantara hasn’t won since early April and is currently riding a six-game losing streak. His lone career appearance against the Angels, though, was dominant—eight scoreless innings in a 2022 win.

But this season has been a different story. Walks, hard contact, and inconsistencies in command have plagued Alcantara, and facing a red-hot Angels lineup won’t make things any easier.

For odds and totals on this pitching duel, check out the MLB Odds Page.

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Catching Situation Complicates Things in Miami

Behind the plate, the Marlins are juggling three catchers, a rare and often tricky arrangement. Nick Fortes, once the undisputed starter, is now splitting time with rookies Liam Hicks and Agustin Ramirez.

After a strong start to the year, Fortes was sidelined by an oblique strain on April 10. Since returning on May 4, he’s struggled to regain rhythm, hitting just .130 with a .428 OPS.

“It’s not easy,” Fortes admitted. “It’s self-inflicted, but I’m trying to just let go and trust whatever happens.”

The Marlins hope someone in the trio can step up and stabilize the position, especially with Alcantara in desperate need of solid framing and pitch-calling.

Explore the Marlins Team Page for more on Miami’s roster shakeups.

What to Watch in This Series Opener

This game pits two teams heading in very different directions. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Can the Angels keep the bats hot?
With nearly 7 runs per game over their last 10 contests, L.A. is tearing the cover off the ball. Can they keep it up against Alcantara?

Will Schanuel’s new mindset lead to more power?
He’s hunting pitches with intent now. Don’t be surprised if more extra-base hits start piling up.

Is this the night Kikuchi finally gets a win?
He’s pitched well enough to win multiple times. He just needs a little luck—and maybe a few early runs.

Can Alcantara turn things around?
The former ace hasn’t looked like himself all season. A bounce-back night could silence critics—at least temporarily.

FAQs

What is the Angels’ current win streak?
They’ve won seven straight games heading into Friday’s matchup with Miami.

Who leads the Angels in home runs?
Taylor Ward and Logan O’Hoppe are tied with 14 homers each.

Who is starting for the Angels on Friday?
Yusei Kikuchi will take the mound. He’s 0-4 but has a solid 3.50 ERA.

Who is starting for the Marlins?
Sandy Alcantara, who has a 2-6 record and a 7.99 ERA, will start for Miami.

Why does Miami have three catchers on the roster?
Nick Fortes is returning from injury and is now sharing time with rookies Liam Hicks and Agustin Ramirez.

Where can I get betting tips for this series?
Head to the Expert Betting Guide for analysis and predictions.