Two of the American League’s biggest surprises are set to meet up north for July 4th. While everyone else is celebrating Independence Day, Canada’s team keeps winning games. The Blue Jays put together a four-game sweep of the rival Yankees this week. Now, Toronto finds itself atop the AL East with a 49-38 record. Tonight’s visitors, the Angels, have flown under the radar for most of 2025. However, Los Angeles is just 1.5 games out of a wildcard spot at 43-43. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s contest between the Angels and Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays are heavy favorites (-171) over the Angels, with the over/under set at 9.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s matchup.
Angels vs. Blue Jays prediction, preview
The Angels have managed to out-play their talent, a testament to first-year manager Ron Washington and his staff. Still, even the best skippers can’t always overcome lackluster pitching. Los Angeles has coughed up 4.85 runs per game this season, the seventh-highest mark in baseball. Outside of Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano, the Halos don’t have an arm that inspires much confidence.
That includes Kyle Hendricks, signed away from the Cubs this offseason. It’s been a mediocre year for the veteran, as he’s notched a 4.66 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Never one to generate many whiffs, Hendricks has always been one of the league’s softest tossers. Per Baseball Savant, the right-hander’s average fastball velocity sits at just 86.5 MPH. Against some teams, forcing soft contact can be an effective strategy. That might not be the case tonight against Toronto. The Blue Jays currently lead the American League with 8.75 hits per game.
The past few weeks have been phenomenal in Toronto, especially on offense. Since June 15th, the Jays lead baseball with 103 runs scored. In particular, George Springer has put up some otherworldly numbers. Over his last 15 outings, the outfielder is slashing .407/.475/.685 with five homers and 20 RBIs. Several of his teammates have stepped up during that time as well, including Bo Bichette (.290 batting average), Davis Schneider (.320), and Ernie Clement (.333). That’s without mentioning Vladimir Guerrero Jr., one of the sport’s most intimidating sluggers.
Clearly, Los Angeles is facing quite the challenge on the mound. The most likely path for an Angels victory will come at the dish. If there’s one thing this group can do, it’s mash. The Halos have tallied 127 home runs this season, fourth-most in the league. Toronto starter Eric Lauer will attempt to keep the ball from flying on Friday. The right-hander has done a solid job of that so far, recording a modest 1.2 HR/9 ratio. Through 45.0 innings of work, he’s posted a 2.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 45 strikeouts.
Angels vs. Blue Jays pick, best bet
Best Bet: Blue Jays -1.5 (+115)
It’s been an entertaining season for Angels fans, and there’s plenty to like about this year’s club. However, no team in the AL is playing better than Toronto right now. Blue Jays hitters could have a field day at the plate against Hendricks, a pitcher lacking swing-and-miss stuff. Los Angeles is simply out-gunned in this matchup.
