Detroit Tigers vs
Los Angeles AngelsPredictions & Preview

Detroit Tigers Favored to Win Season Opener Against Los Angeles Angels as MLB Season Kicks Off

The 2025 Major League Baseball season kicks off on Thursday, May 1, with the Detroit Tigers facing off against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. The Tigers are favored to win with a -145 moneyline and a total of 8.5 runs. Casey Mize will be the starting pitcher for the Tigers, while Kyle Hendricks will take the mound for the Angels. Detroit is currently the betting favorite at -117, with the line remaining steady. Stay updated on this matchup and more with our latest MLB picks for Thursday's games.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Tigers -117 | Angels +106
• Spread: Tigers -1.5 (+132) | Angels +1.5 (-160)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Detroit will win straight-up is 54%.

Detroit vs Los Angeles Stats

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are looking to avoid a sweep in a three-game series against the Houston Astros after suffering consecutive losses. Despite this, the Tigers have won eight of their last 12 games overall, with impressive performances from their bullpen and starting pitcher Casey Mize. Mize, with a 4-1 record and 2.12 ERA, will take the mound against the Angels on Thursday night. The Tigers currently rank 11th in offense, 4th in defense, and have a 18-12 record this season.

Los Angeles Angels Analysis

The Los Angeles Angels faced the Seattle Mariners in a two-game series at T-Mobile Park, hoping to avoid a sweep after a 5-3 defeat on Tuesday extended their losing streak to four games. The Angels have struggled offensively, scoring only 31 runs in their last 14 games with a .181/.222/.318 slash line. The bullpen has a 3.78 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 50 innings. Yusei Kikuchi is expected to start for the Angels with a 0-4 record, 4.31 ERA, and 1.60 WHIP this season. In his career, he is 1-2 with a 6.21 ERA in six starts against the Tigers, who are 15-for-43 with five doubles and two home runs against him. The Angels have a power ranking of 27 and are #24 for offense and defense, with a 12-16 record. The Tigers recently went 1-2 in their last three matchups against the Angels.

Angels' Offense in Slump Ahead of Game Against Tigers, Betting Against Them Prudent

Recently, the Angels' offense has struggled significantly. In the past 10 days, the team has demonstrated a 58 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers and a 42 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers. Given this performance, it is difficult to support the Angels in the upcoming game. While the team may bounce back from this rough patch, for now, it seems prudent to bet against them. Casey Mize has shown impressive skills this season, and the Tigers' bullpen has been solid. In contrast, Yusei Kikuchi's current form is less reliable. Notably, Gleyber Torres has a strong track record against Kikuchi, hitting 10-for-28 with two doubles and a home run. Watching Torres' performance in this matchup could provide valuable insights.

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