The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels are set to face off in Southern California for the first time this season on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, kicking off the highly anticipated three-game Freeway Series. The matchup features Dodgers’ left-hander Jackson Ferris against Angels’ right-hander José Soriano, making it a notable event for baseball fans across the region.
Jackson Ferris, a non-roster invitee, has made a name for himself with a 5-7 record and a 3.20 ERA in the previous 2024 season, though he has yet to secure a win in his two spring training appearances, holding a 6.00 ERA. In contrast, José Soriano logged a 6-7 record with a 3.42 ERA in 2024, featuring prominently in 22 games, including 20 starts. However, Soriano is still seeking his first victory of spring, having posted an 0-2 record and a 4.30 ERA from five appearances thus far.
Both teams have invested considerable emotion leading into this marquee event. The Dodgers are performing well this spring, currently posting a 12-8 record in Cactus League play, whereas the Angels find themselves under scrutiny, trailing with a 10-16-4 record. Fans eager for live broadcasts can enjoy the game at 5:10 PM, with the Dodgers airing on SportsNet LA and the Angels on FanDuel Sports Network SoCal.
The Freeway Series will not be a fleeting encounter, as the two teams will continue their rivalry with games on March 24 and March 25 at Angel Stadium. Historically, the Angels have the upper hand in the Freeway Series, leading the rivalry 77-57 since it began in 1962, with five games ending in ties. In 2024, the Angels emerged victorious in two of three contests.
For the Dodgers, this matchup is not only crucial for team morale but also marks the return of their star players, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, to the lineup. Betts had been sidelined due to illness, missing two Cactus League games and both exhibition matches in Japan. He also missed the first two regular-season games in 2025 before rejoining the lineup against the Angels. In spring play, Betts batted .240 with a home run, three RBIs, and no strikeouts across 11 games.
Freeman's absence was equally concerning, having been scratched from the lineup in Tokyo due to rib discomfort after undergoing ankle surgery in the offseason. Initially thought to be well, he recorded an impressive spring performance with a batting average of .280, three home runs, and six RBIs before missing time due to injury. His impressive on-field performance includes an OPS of 1.028 — a strong indicator of his effectiveness during spring training.
As the Dodgers play their newly renovated home stadium, fans can breathe a sigh of relief for both players now back in the lineup. The team is eagerly looking towards their home opener against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Meanwhile, the Angels will kick off their season on the same day against the Chicago White Sox, showcasing another significant moment for their franchise as they look to rebound from an exceptionally disappointing previous season, recording their worst-ever performance in their 64 seasons in the American League with a 63-99 finish.
As the excitement builds for this weekend's series, Southern California baseball fans can expect excellent performances, rivalries reigniting, and a chance to see some of baseball's top stars back on the diamond. With both teams ready to battle it out, every pitch, hit, and run will matter as they kick off the much-anticipated 2025 baseball season.
