MLB Predictions: Los Angeles Angels vs. Toronto Blue Jays

The Los Angeles Angels (16-17) and Toronto Blue Jays (18-17) will open up a three-game American League series Friday night at the Rogers Centre, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET

Los Angeles Angels vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Los Angeles Angels OF Mike Trout hasn't been swinging the bat well this week — Los Angeles Angels OF Mike Trout hasn’t been swinging the bat well this week

Los Angeles went 5-4 on its recently completed nine-game homestand, which ended with a 9-2 setback to the New York Yankees as -137 favorites Wednesday, while going OVER the betting total of 8.5. The Angels have won seven of eight games against the Blue Jays—hitting .315 with 22 extra-base hits in their last four contests at this ballpark. Outfielder Mike Trout enters the road trip with just one hit in his last 16 at-bats. Los Angeles is 25-16 on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 the last two-plus seasons.

Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards (3-0, 2.84 ERA) picked up a 5-3 home victory over the Texas Rangers last time out, as he allowed three runs and nine hits over six innings of work. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 1.44 ERA in four road appearances, with hitters batting just .096 against him. In five career games (three starts) versus the Blue Jays, Richards has compiled a 2-2 record and 5.12 ERA, including a 1-2 mark and 6.57 ERA in four appearances at this venue.

Toronto has won five games in a row, including a 12-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday, while going OVER the betting total for the eighth time in 10 contests. The Blue Jays have homered in 15 of their last 16 games—playing a big part in the leading the Junior Circuit with 49 round trippers on the season. Outfielder Jose Bautista has reached base in all 35 games played this season—the longest such streak of its kind since 2008. Toronto is 1-4 at home with a money line of -100 to -125, with the OVER going 4-1 in that situation.

Blue Jays starting pitcher Dustin McGowan (2-1, 4.80 ERA) managed to tally a 7-2 road victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in his last trip to the mound—surrendering one run and three hits over seven innings of work. The right-hander is 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA in two home appearances, with opposing hitters batting .406 against him. In eight lifetime outings (five starts) versus the Angels, McGowan has gone 1-4 with a 3.44 ERA.