The Los Angeles Angels enter their April 22 matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 10–10 record and a firm desire to establish a winning rhythm as the first month of the 2025 season nears its close. Despite a .500 record, there is optimism in Anaheim thanks to a mix of veteran stability and young talent that has kept the club competitive even in tightly contested games. A primary factor behind that stability has been starting pitcher José Soriano, who takes the mound in this one with a 2–2 record and a strong 3.16 ERA. Soriano, a right-hander with electric stuff and improving command, has emerged as one of the early bright spots in the Angels’ rotation, filling innings effectively and giving the team a chance to win every fifth day. With an ability to induce weak contact and minimize big innings, Soriano’s outing will be crucial, especially against a Pirates lineup that, while inconsistent, features dangerous bats capable of doing damage if he falls behind in counts. Offensively, the Angels have leaned on the longtime leadership of Mike Trout, whose plate discipline and experience remain invaluable even as his power numbers level off with age. Trout remains a centerpiece in the lineup, capable of carrying the offense when needed. Around him, the Angels have infused their batting order with emerging contributors like Logan O’Hoppe and Nolan Schanuel, who have provided needed run support and energy in the heart of the order. Taylor Ward and Zach Neto have also added balance to the lineup, bringing on-base skills and occasional power, helping to stretch the batting order and create pressure for opposing pitchers.

Los Angeles is averaging a respectable 4.2 runs per game, and while they don’t necessarily overwhelm opponents with home run barrages, they are capable of stringing together productive innings and putting up crooked numbers with timely hits. At home, their offense has been even sharper, using the familiar dimensions of Angel Stadium to their advantage and feeding off crowd energy in tight situations. However, the team’s defense and bullpen remain works in progress. The Angels have committed several untimely errors that have directly impacted game outcomes, and their relievers have struggled to consistently shut down opposing rallies late in games. Closer Carlos Estévez has had moments of brilliance but lacks the dominant profile of elite ninth-inning arms, while the bridge between the starters and closer has often been turbulent. Infield defense, particularly up the middle, has been uneven at times, with miscommunication and positioning issues costing outs. The Angels will need to play a cleaner game defensively if they hope to support Soriano and limit run-scoring chances for the Pirates. Still, with a solid lineup and their most consistent starter on the mound, the Angels are well-positioned to seize control of this matchup. If they can get five or six strong innings from Soriano, avoid defensive breakdowns, and execute offensively with runners in scoring position, Los Angeles could secure a pivotal home win and continue building the type of team identity they’ve lacked in recent seasons—one that can grind out wins consistently and challenge for a postseason spot in a crowded American League.