Los Angeles Angels vs San Diego Padres Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 4/17/26, 6:22 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 4/18/26 at 6:50 PM in MLB Picks

We're in for an electrifying duel between the Angels and Padres at Angel Stadium, especially noteworthy given both teams' recent performances. José Soriano will start for the Angels, likely the pitcher with the best start in all of MLB. The Dominican has a 4-0 record, a 0.31 ERA, and 31 strikeouts, making the Angels -135 favorites at the sportsbooks.

The Angels split their four-game series against the Yankees. The multiple-time MVP is having an epic 2026 season reminiscent of his glory days. He hit five home runs against the Yankees in a series that stunned Yankee fans, but he was one of several who contributed home runs in that series. Adell hit a key grand slam in the final game; Pereza hit two home runs in the series. The Angels are doing well, despite the absence of Soler, who was also performing exceptionally well but will eventually have to serve his suspension for the earlier brawl this season.

Similarly, the Padres demonstrated their dominance at Petco Park by sweeping the Rockies in a four-game series and, more recently, the Mariners, indicating that the Dodgers will face a challenging season. San Diego's record to start the season is 13-6.