Angels vs. Dodgers in Cactus League Opener: How to Watch, Predictions and More

How will the Angels fare in their Cactus League opener?

The Los Angeles Angels make their Cactus League debut on Saturday, with their first matchup of 2024 coming against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Angels center fielder Mike Trout is expected to make his 2024 debut in the batting lineup. The eleven-time All-Star missed parts of the 2023 season due to a left hamate bone fracture. 

How to Watch

Dodgers-Angels will begin at 12:10 p.m. PT. Angels fans can tune in to watch the game on Bally Sports West. They can also listen to the game on the radio on KLAA 830.

Dodgers fans can tune into the game on Spectrum SportsNet LA or listen in via KNTQ 1020 or Dodgers Radio AM570.

Predictions

While this will be the Angels' first game of the season, the Dodgers have already played in two games against the San Diego Padres and won both. Stopping the Dodgers' batting lineup, who have already put up 18 runs in two games, will be key for the Angels on Saturday.

The Angels will attempt to slow this lineup down, with Victor Mederos getting the start. Mederos primarily played for the Angels Double-A team in 2023 — putting in 12 starts with a 5.98 ERA — but also made his major league debut a season ago. Pitching against the Dodgers batters in Mookie Betts, Chris Taylor, James Outman and Teoscar Hernández should provide a big test for Mederos.

Dodgers 5, Angels 2

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On the Dodgers side, Tyler Glasnow is expected to get his first start of the season Saturday. 

The Angels will also not be facing former teammate Shohei Ohtani for the first time since he left the team. Ohtani is expected to make his Cactus League debut next week.