Los Angeles Angels vs Toronto Blue Jays Picks and Predictions May 8th 2025

Jo Adell’s Struggles with Angels: Why Aggression Could Save His Spot in the Lineup

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell entered the 2024 MLB season with promise, having won the starting center field job out of spring training. However, his role is now uncertain. As the Angels prepare to face the Toronto Blue Jays again, Adell isn’t even sure if he’ll be in the starting lineup—a far cry from the expectations set just weeks ago.

Adell’s Disappearing Role Despite Opportunity

With Mike Trout sidelined due to injury, many expected Adell to gain more consistent playing time. Instead, he’s been left out of the starting lineup in five of the last seven games, even during a stretch when the team has had to juggle outfield options.

On Wednesday, Kyren Paris played in center field, and Jorge Soler started in right, while Adell remained on the bench. This shift underscores the Angels’ waning trust in Adell’s current offensive approach.

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The Numbers Paint a Tough Picture

Adell’s stats reveal the root of his struggles:

• Batting Average: .181
• On-base Plus Slugging (OPS): .541
• Strikeout Rate: 27.3% (27 strikeouts in 99 plate appearances)

Despite hitting his third home run of the season on Tuesday—his first since an impressive two-homer inning on April 10—Adell remains inconsistent at the plate.

Coaches Urge Aggression Over Passivity

Angels manager Ron Washington believes Adell’s problem is not a lack of discipline but too much of it.

“What the coaches are trying to do is get him to quit taking so many balls down the middle of the plate,” Washington said. “When you do that, you’re guessing… When he sees the ball and lets it fly, he’s more consistent.”

Washington and the coaching staff are encouraging Adell to attack early in the count, rather than trying to “work the plate” like a leadoff or contact hitter. They believe his power can shine if he lets go of the mental hesitations and reacts naturally to strikes. Don’t Miss our Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers

Adell’s Self-Reflection: Time to Trust His Power

Adell himself recognizes the need to change. In his own words:

“You try to make it too perfect. Hitting isn’t perfect… I’m not a work-the-count type of guy. I get a strike and I can do some damage.”

This quote underscores a mental shift in progress. Adell is learning to trust his aggressive instincts, which are more aligned with his strengths as a power hitter.

Angels’ Lineup Adjustments Signal Urgency

The fact that Adell has lost playing time, even amid injuries, signals a critical point in his season. Other players like Kyren Paris and Jorge Soler are stepping into roles Adell was expected to own. Unless his approach quickly produces results, he risks being labeled a situational player or even a trade piece.

Pitching Preview: Soriano vs. Bassitt

On Thursday, Jose Soriano will start for the Angels, bringing some momentum after pitching six shutout innings against the Tigers. He has a 2-4 record with a 3.83 ERA this season and minimal experience against Toronto.

The Blue Jays will counter with veteran Chris Bassitt, who boasts a 2.95 ERA and a strong 7-3 record against the Angels over 14 career games.

Toronto’s Hitters Heating Up

While Adell struggles, Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk is flourishing. He’s hitting .378 over his last nine games, thanks to a shift toward more aggressive swings—the very mindset Adell is working to adopt.

Manager John Schneider noted:

“He’s taking better, more aggressive swings… He’s on a good little roll.”

Meanwhile, Anthony Santander is also heating up, going 5-for-17 over his last four games, slowly raising his average from .174 to .188.

Can Adell Save His Season?

Jo Adell still has the raw tools—power, speed, and defensive ability—to make an impact. But to remain in the lineup, he’ll need to translate coaching advice into immediate action. The Angels need production, not potential.

If Adell can start capitalizing on early strikes and showcasing the same slugging ability he did in early April, he could reclaim his role. If not, time may be running out.

Conclusion: It’s Now or Never for Jo Adell

Jo Adell stands at a pivotal moment in his career. With the Angels battling for identity and consistency, every lineup decision matters. If Adell can channel his natural talents into a more aggressive, confident approach, he might still fulfill the promise that earned him a starting role. But the clock is ticking—and every pitch he takes could cost him another opportunity.