The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to host the San Francisco Giants this weekend. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our MLB odds series, which includes our Giants-Dodgers prediction and pick we have laid out below.
The San Francisco Giants have yet to build on their 107-win season from 2021, ending the All-Star break barely above .500 at 48-43, 12.5 games out of the NL West lead, but just half a game out in the Wild Card race. A strong pitching staff has kept San Francisco in contention while the lineup is treading water, besides Joc Pederson of course. San Francisco can gain some ground this weekend, beginning a four-game series with their in-state rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers own a commanding lead in the NL West, with their 60-30 record cushioning a 10-game lead in the division. If the New York Yankees cooled off in the first half, LA would own baseball's best record, but have to settle for second best. Despite superstar Mookie Betts missing time with fractured ribs, Los Angeles' offense has arguably outpaced every team outside of the Yankees.
Here are the Giants-Dodgers MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Giants-Dodgers Odds
San Francisco Giants: +1.5 (-194)
Los Angeles Dodgers: -1.5 (+160)
Over: 7.5 (-114)
Under: 7.5 (-106)
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Why The Giants Could Cover The Spread
Carlos Rodon, who parlayed a healthy and dominant 2021 into a lucrative deal with San Francisco, has *probably* been underpaid thus far in 2022. Rodon owns a 2.66 ERA in 18 games, including one complete game, and has struck out 131 batters across 105 innings. Good news for Giants fans and bettors, Rodon is the starting pitcher in this game. Behind Rodon, the meat of the Giants' bullpen has been solid, with flamethrowing closer Camilo Doval waiting to end opponent's nights, with 12 saves and a 2.96 ERA backed by a 100 MPH fastball.
At the plate, Joc Pederson has rolled over his stellar 2021 postseason, bashing 17 home runs with a .252/.331/.517 slash line in an All-Star first half. Wilmer Flores has contributed his own power, belting 13 home runs and 17 doubles. On the heels of their own comeback seasons, Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford are showing their age this season, combining for just 13 home runs between them. Fans and management alike are hoping the respite afforded by the All-Star break will rejuvenate a largely dormant offense.
Why The Dodgers Could Cover The Spread
Simply put, Los Angeles is one of the most fearsome teams in baseball. A stacked lineup headlined by Mookie Betts and offseason addition Freddie Freeman has pummeled opposing pitching this season. As a team, Los Angeles is averaging 5.1 runs per game. Betts, Freeman, Trea Turner, and Will Smith all own OPS over .800. Following a dreadful 2021, Cody Bellinger has rediscovered his power stroke, belting 11 first-half home runs, already beating his 2021 total.
On the mound, the Dodgers have the lowest team ERA this season, registering at a minuscule 2.96. It almost makes too much sense, but teams that are good at scoring runs (like LA) and good at preventing runs (also like LA) usually tend to find success.
Tonight, Mitch White will take the mound to open the second half, making his ninth start of 2022. White owns a 4.20 ERA but has been shuffled between the bullpen and rotation. Newly refined slider specialist Evan Phillips owns a 1.50 ERA, striking out 41 batters in 36 innings, with a microscopic 0.78 WHIP out of the bullpen. Runs may be scarce in this one, but Los Angeles packs enough of a punch at the plate to own the advantage
Final Giants-Dodgers Prediction & Pick
Beating Carlos Rodon is a tough ask for any team, even the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sending out Mitch White to combat Rodon may not be the best strategy, but Los Angeles seems to make it work.
Final Giants-Dodgers Prediction & Pick: Giants +1.5 (-194), Over 7.5 (-114)
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