LA Angels (18-25) at LA Dodgers (29-16)
- When: May 17 2025, 9:10 PM
- Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Where to watch: MLBN
Angels vs. Dodgers – Game Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Dodgers Moneyline Favorite at -215, Total Set at 9.0
Los Angeles Dodgers Overview
It’s a special kind of holiday in LA “Kershaw Day” is back! After battling offseason surgeries on his left big toe and left knee, legendary left-hander Clayton Kershaw is set to make his season debut Saturday in the middle game of a three-game series against the Angels. Kershaw was limited to just seven starts last season, and the injuries kept him out of the postseason. But the 37-year-old franchise leader in strikeouts (2,968) isn’t ready to hang up his cleats just yet. He’s back on a one-year contract and ready to make his mark in his 18th MLB season, tying Zach Wheat and Bill Russell for the most seasons in franchise history.
Kershaw has a dazzling record against the Angels, boasting a 10-2 record and a 1.99 ERA in 16 career starts. He also got some warm-up action in the minors, posting a solid 1-0 record with a 2.57 ERA in five rehab starts. Manager Dave Roberts is expecting Kershaw to bring intensity and emotion back to the mound, saying, “I’m envisioning a shot in the arm of emotion, of intensity. I do believe in a player like Clayton, his track record, raising the level of performance, intensity to a ballclub, and that’s what I’m expecting tomorrow and going forward.”
Los Angeles Angels Overview
Trying to spoil Kershaw’s return party is Tyler Anderson, who ironically was Kershaw’s teammate on the Dodgers back in 2022. Anderson is off to a solid start this season with a 2-1 record and a 2.58 ERA. His last outing wasn’t perfect he gave up three runs in five innings to the Orioles in a 7-3 loss, although only one of those runs was earned. Despite the loss, Anderson has been feeling sharper than ever, “I feel in a better spot than I had been the last couple years, in terms of just command.”
Anderson’s lifetime numbers against the Dodgers are less rosy 3-7 with a 4.65 ERA in 16 appearances (15 starts), so he’ll have to be sharper than usual to match Kershaw’s return.
On the offensive side, Luis Rengifo has been getting back into the swing of things after missing time with injuries. He served as the designated hitter on Friday and had two hits in his first two at-bats, helping the Angels secure a 6-2 victory. Ron Washington, the Angels’ skipper, expressed confidence in Rengifo turning his season around: “Somewhere along this year, he’s going to find it, because he does have the skill set.”
Player Props Picks:
Clayton Kershaw – Over 3.5 Strikeouts: Kershaw’s dominance against the Angels should continue, and with the adrenaline of his first game back, expect him to pile up strikeouts.
Freddie Freeman – Over 1.5 Total Bases: Freeman has been a consistent power threat, and against Anderson, his bat should get plenty of work.
Prediction:
It’s “Kershaw Day,” and the stars seem to align for the Dodgers. Expect Kershaw to shine in his debut and stifle the Angels’ offense, while the Dodgers bats do enough damage against Anderson, who has struggled historically against them.
Final Score Prediction: Dodgers 5 – Angels 2
Lean: LA Dodgers -1.5 (-115)
Total: Under 9.0 (-115)
Dodgers take Game 2 convincingly as Kershaw’s comeback sparks a big win in LA!
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
