The Los Angeles Dodgers (29-16) host the crosstown Los Angeles Angels (18-25) in Game 2 of the Freeway Series on Saturday night.
Clayton Kershaw returns to the mound, marking his 18th season in blue.
See why I’m betting on the home team on “Kershaw Day” with my Angels vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, May 17.
Angels vs Dodgers prediction
My Angels vs Dodgers best bet: Dodgers -1.5 (-111 at FanDuel)
Clayton Kershaw owns the Los Angeles Angels.
Across 16 starts against his crosstown rival, the left-hander has a 10-2 record and a 1.99 ERA. This is a perfect landing spot for his season debut, pitching at home against a team he’s experienced tremendous success against in the past.
The 18-year vet underwent surgery shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series, addressing bone spurs, arthritis, and a ruptured plantar plate in his foot.
That’s a lot for anyone to come back from — especially at an advanced age — but Kershaw earns the benefit of the doubt given his historic success.
The Angels struggle mightily to hit LHP with a league worst 24 wRC+ and .206 wOBA since April 15. They have an unremarkable .169/.194/.274 slash line against southpaws in that time frame, so it’s not surprising that they’re just 1-4 against left-handed starters this year.
You know who’s on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to facing LHP?
That’s right, the Dodgers. They lead the league by a wide margin with a 187 wRC+ and .443 wOBA against lefties since April 15.
Tyler Anderson’s 2.58 ERA is impressive, but his .197 BABIP and 84.2% left-on-base percentage both beg for regression.
The Dodgers have a 17-5 record at home and have covered the run line in 13 of those games.
Given their favorable home-road splits, success against LHP, and momentum gained from Kershaw’s return, I’m taking the Dodgers -1.5 on Saturday.
The lefty will likely be on a pitch count, but the Dodgers rank sixth in bullpen FIP (3.54) and are well-positioned regardless.
Angels vs Dodgers same-game parlay (SGP)
Freddie Freeman 2+ total bases
Andy Pages 2+ total bases
Dodgers -1.5
Anderson has reverse splits as lefties are hitting .289/.341/.737 against him and are saddling him with a 7.66 FIP. Freddie Freeman is poised to capitalize, averaging 2.6 total bases in his last 10 games.
The wind will be blowing out to center field at 9.2 mph, benefiting all batters.
One right-handed bat with a favorable outlook is outfielder Andy Pages. The 24-year-old is raking (132 wRC+) and has favorable pitch-type splits as he demolishes four-seamers (135 wRC+), changeups (166 wRC+), and cutters (132 wRC+) — all three offerings in Anderson’s arsenal against righties.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Angels vs Dodgers odds
Angels vs Dodgers live odds
Angels vs Dodgers opening odds
- Moneyline: Los Angeles (AL) +184 | Los Angeles (NL) -220
- Run line: Los Angeles (AL) +1.5 (-110) | Los Angeles (NL) -1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 9 (-102) | Under 9 (-120)
Angels vs Dodgers trend
The Angels are just 8-16 against the run line in away games. Find more MLB betting trends for Angels vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Angels vs Dodgers and game info
| Location | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California |
| Date | Saturday, 5-17-2025 |
| First pitch | 9:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB Network, FanDuel Sports Network-West, SNLA, TSN4 |
| Angels starting pitcher | Tyler Anderson (2-1, 2.58 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Clayton Kershaw (2-2, 4.50 ERA) |
Angels vs Dodgers latest injuries
Angels vs Dodgers weather
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