Blue Jays vs Angels Betting Preview: Kevin Gausman Primed on Sunday
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The Toronto Blue Jays host the Los Angeles Angels in a Sunday afternoon AL matchup, with first pitch set for 1:37 PM ET at Rogers Centre. With Kevin Gausman on the mound for Toronto and Tyler Anderson starting for the Angels, oddsmakers have moved the line from -175 to as high as -200 in favor of the Blue Jays. The total sits at 9.5, signaling expectations of offense in what should be a warm, hitter-friendly environment if the dome is open.
Angels vs Blue Jays Odds and Line Movement
This game opened with the Blue Jays favored at -175, but early money has pushed it toward -200 at several sportsbooks. The total opened at 9.5 and remains unchanged, largely due to the high temperatures (86°F) and wind blowing out, potentially increasing the chance for extra-base hits and home runs.
With both offenses capable of putting up crooked numbers and one pitcher trending in the wrong direction, it’s no surprise the over 9.5 is drawing attention in betting markets.
2025 MLB Trade Deadline Big Board: Ranking Top 15 Trade Targets
Tyler Anderson Breakdown: A Slippery Fade
Tyler Anderson is one of the most unpredictable pitchers in the league—and not in a good way. Despite his sub-4 ERA this season, the underlying metrics tell a different story. The left-handed starter for the Angels has glaring issues, especially when facing left-handed hitters:
-
.300+ ISO vs lefties
-
.418 wOBA vs lefties
-
2.49 HR/9 vs lefties
-
5.30 xERA
-
Sub-20% strikeout rate
-
Nearly 10% walk rate
Anderson is giving up free passes and hard contact, and his inability to miss bats makes him a liability, especially against a Toronto lineup that’s heating up.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
Blue Jays Hitters vs Left-Handed Pitching
The Blue Jays offense has been much sharper in recent weeks, especially against southpaws. Over the last 30 days, key bats like:
-
George Springer (currently red-hot)
have consistently performed well against left-handed pitching. Springer, in particular, has caught fire, and this group is poised to capitalize on Anderson’s reverse splits.
This could be a breakout offensive game for Toronto if they cash in with runners in scoring position early.
Kevin Gausman: In Form Against a Strikeout-Prone Lineup
On the other side, Kevin Gausman has been rock solid in recent starts, showing increased velocity and command. He’s consistently gone 6+ innings, and today he faces an Angels lineup that struggles vs right-handed pitching, particularly when it comes to strikeouts.
The Angels currently rank near the bottom of MLB in strikeout rate vs righties, and that plays directly into Gausman’s strengths. Expect him to rack up strikeouts and keep traffic off the bases as long as his pitch count stays in check.
NL Cy Young Odds: Skenes vs. Wheeler in a 2-Man Race
Best Bets for Blue Jays vs Angels (1:37 PM ET)
Based on the matchup and recent trends, here are the best betting angles for this game:
-
Blue Jays -1.5 Run Line: Strong value with Gausman on the mound and Anderson’s volatility.
-
Over 9.5 Total Runs: If the dome is open and temperatures stay high, expect offense.
-
Kevin Gausman Over Strikeouts Prop: Great matchup vs a free-swinging Angels team.
-
Blue Jays First 5 Innings -0.5: Fade Anderson early before the bullpen gets involved.
Jacob Wilson Running Away with AL Rookie of the Year Award
Final Prediction: Blue Jays Stay Hot at Home
The Blue Jays are trending upward and facing one of the more vulnerable starters in the American League. With Kevin Gausman in control, expect Toronto to get ahead early and stay there.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
