The San Diego Padres will host the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second of a crucial three-game set on Tuesday night. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Dodgers-Padres prediction and pick.
San Diego took the series opener by a score of 6-2 on Monday night. The Padres extended their current winning streak to five games and will look to build on their recent success in a series that could have serious implications come playoff time. Los Angeles has still won 12 of its last 16 road games against the Padres coming in.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Dodgers-Padres odds.
MLB Odds: Dodgers-Padres Odds
Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (+155)
San Diego Padres +1.5 (-175)
Over 7.5 Runs (-106)
Under 7.5 Runs (-114)
Why The Dodgers Could Cover The Spread
The defending champions are currently in second place in the NL West at 44-28 on the season. Although the Dodgers have been injury-prone and a bit inconsistent, they possess the second-best record in the National League behind only the San Francisco Giants. Los Angeles has won 10 of its last 13 games and six of seven on the road coming in.
The Dodgers are one of the most complete clubs in all of baseball. They’re currently averaging 5.21 runs on 8.15 hits per game, which is good for second and eighth-best in the league, respectively. They walk at the highest rate in the majors and have shown an ability to score runs in several ways. The pitching and defense have been tremendous for Los Angeles as well.
The Dodgers will turn to left-hander Clayton Kershaw as they look to even the series. Kershaw is having yet another stellar season with an 8-6 record, 3.36 ERA, and 104 strikeouts through 15 starts. The southpaw has bounced back with two solid starts after allowing five runs against the Braves on June 5. Kershaw has allowed three earned runs in two starts against the Padres this season.
Why The Padres Could Cover The Spread
The Padres have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league this season. They are currently in third place in the loaded NL West with a 43-32 record. The Padres have been great at home with a 26-14 record at Petco Park. They have won their last five home games coming in.
San Diego is currently averaging 4.53 runs per game, which is the 12th-best mark in the majors. They are led by slugging shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., who has hit 22 homers and stolen 14 bags this far. The Padres’ pitching and defense have been nothing short of phenomenal.
San Diego will turn to left-hander Blake Snell in an attempt to clinch this three-game series against a division rival. Snell has really struggled this season with a 2-3 record and 5.72 ERA through 14 starts. Despite his struggles, the Padres southpaw has struck out a whopping 85 batters through 61 1/3 innings of work. San Diego is hoping that Snell can turn a corner soon after posting a 7.26 ERA over his last seven starts.
Final Dodgers-Padres Prediction & Pick
San Diego will be the first to tell you of concern about Blake Snell. The left-hander is imploding before their eyes, and it has to be hard to have any sort of confidence when he is on the bump right now. He just allowed seven earned runs through 3 1/3 innings against the Colorado Rockies in his last start. Clayton Kershaw, on the other hand, has shown no signs of aging or slowing down. The Dodgers’ offense has outclassed the Padres this season. With the disparity in the pitching matchup, there is no doubt in my mind that the Dodgers will even this series.
FINAL PICK: Los Angeles Dodgers ML (-107)