San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Angels Picks and Predictions May 14th 2025

With an Early MVP Candidate in Tow, Padres Look for Series Win Over Angels

At just over the quarter mark of the season, Fernando Tatis Jr. has emerged as a serious early contender in the National League MVP race. His walk-off two-run homer Tuesday night not only sealed a 6-4 comeback win for the San Diego Padres over the Los Angeles Angels—it underscored just how dominant he’s been to start the year.

Now, with the series tied, the Padres will turn to right-hander Randy Vasquez to try and clinch the three-game set Wednesday night at Petco Park.

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Tatis Jr. Powers Padres, Again

Tatis is hitting .316 with 11 homers and 26 RBIs in 40 games, and his game-winning blast Tuesday was the first walk-off homer of his career. He also scored earlier in the eighth inning to help spark the tying rally.

“When you put it all together, he’s a special player. He beats you every way possible on a baseball field. [Tatis] has been MVP-caliber,”
— Padres manager Mike Shildt

San Diego has leaned heavily on Tatis, especially in moments when the bullpen falters. That was again the case Tuesday when Jeremiah Estrada surrendered a 2-1 lead in just two pitches during the seventh.

Yet even amid bullpen inconsistency, San Diego continues to be a reliable MLB betting pick thanks to offensive firepower led by Tatis.

Pitching Preview: Vasquez vs. Hendricks

Vasquez (2-3, 3.76 ERA) will get the start for the Padres. He’s coming off a solid outing in Colorado where he gave up just two runs over six innings. Though he hasn’t faced the Angels yet in his career, his recent form has been encouraging.

Veteran righty Kyle Hendricks (1-4, 5.30 ERA) will counter for Los Angeles. The longtime Cub has fared well against San Diego historically (8-4, 3.27 ERA in 15 starts), but has been plagued by long balls this season, surrendering at least one homer in six of seven outings.

Angels’ Bullpen Woes Continue

The Angels fell to 17-24 after Tuesday’s loss, their latest setback due to a late-game bullpen implosion. Even with a strong start from Hendricks, the bullpen remains a question mark.

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Help could soon arrive, though. Mike Trout (knee) is progressing well and could return soon from the injured list. While Trout was batting just .179 with nine homers before his injury, his presence in the lineup could still help stabilize a team lacking consistency at the plate.

“The sharp pain I was feeling is gone. … The progress has been so good the last couple of days,”
— Mike Trout