Dodgers vs. Angels: Game 2 prediction, odds, injuries, and picks

The Dodgers were shocked in the opening game of the Freeway Series as they fell to the Angels, 6-2. What was an anemic Anaheim offense showed up against starter Dustin May, who gave up four earned runs on six base hits in five innings.

As for the defending champions, Max Muncy's RBI-double in the fourth inning and former Angel Shohei Ohtani's solo blast in the eighth were the only offense that they could muster up. Game 2 is scheduled to start today, May 17, 2025 at 9:10 p.m., Eastern.

Dodgers vs Angels recent form and records

Prior to their loss to the Angels, the Dodgers won four of its last six games including a series win over the Athletics. They possess the best record in their division and in all of the National League at 29-16. To note the gravity of the Angels' win in Chavez Ravine, it became just the fifth losst in 22 games of the champions at home this season.

In spite of their big win, the Angels are still at the bottom of the AL West with an 18-25 record. The injury of superstar Mike Trout have certainly dampened the momentum that the team has established early in the season.

Players to watch

Starting pitchers

LAD: Clayton Kershaw (0-0, 0.00 ERA), LAA: Tyler Anderson (2-1, 2.58 ERA, 39 K)

Los Angeles Angels

Former Dodger Tyler Anderson got the nod to start against his former club. He has actually impressed despite the issues of the Angels this year. Anderson holds a 2-1 record across eight starts with a 2.58 ERA abd 39 punch outs.

Must-Watch Hitters

Los Angeles Dodgers

In Game 1 against the Angels, Shohei Ohtani smashed his third home run against his fomer club and an MLB-leading 16th homer of the campaign. The reigning NL MVP is currently batting .316/.416/.690 with an OPS of 1.106, 29 RBIs, and ten stolen bases.

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Dodgers vs Angels baseball betting odds

Saturday, 5/17	Money Line	Run Line	Total Runs
LAD	-233	-2.5, +121	O 9.5, +104
LAA	+200	+2.5, -157	U 9.5, -129

Dodgers vs Angels expert picks and game prediction

Given the disparity of talent between the two squads, conventional wisdom points to the champions earning a bounce back win against the Angels of Anaheim.

However, it should be noted that the game will feature the season debut of Clayton Kershaw. The future Hall of Famer last pitched on August 30, 2024 and has since been shelved due to leg and foot problems. This condition favors the Angels by a slim margin as Kershaw could still be rusty on his return to the mound.

Run Line: +2.5, -157

Total Runs: U 9.5, -129

Prediction: LAD wins, 5-4

About the author

Daniel Santiago is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. He was drawn towards the sport after the underlying statistics and the analysis surrounding it grabbed his attention.

Daniel particularly enjoys furnishing reports about historic events in baseball and analyzing the game through a statistic-based outlook, based on Fangraphs and Baseball-Reference. This is in line with how he enjoyed watching baseball as a pastime. As a writer, he is very particular about cross-checking from reputable sources and doing his due diligence.

He became a lifelong Hideki Matsui fan after his exploits in the 2009 World Series for the New York Yankees. Among the current generation, Daniel's favorites include Shohei Ohtani and Jung Hoo Lee. Daniel is a huge follower of Asian baseball and both Ohtani and Lee have been in the top echelon of their respective leagues during their time with the NPB and KBO.

His favorite moment as a baseball fan was the final at-bat of the 2023 World Baseball Classic between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. He believes there aren't many words to fittingly describe the intensity of the moment.

As an avid sports fan, Daniel watches other sports and Esports when not writing about baseball.

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Edited by Daniel Santiago

Dodgers vs. Angels: Game 2 prediction, odds, injuries, and picks - May 17, 2025