MLB Picks 4/8 – LA Dodgers @ Arizona Diamondbacks

MLB Picks 4/8 – LA Dodgers @ Arizona Diamondbacks

The Los Angeles Dodgers (5-2) visit the Arizona Diamondbacks (3-4) in the second of a four-game series. The Dodgers took the opener 5-2 last night as first baseman Freddie Freeman went 2 for 5 with a solo homer. Despite the season starting just eight days ago, this will be the fifth meeting between these teams, they split four games in Los Angeles to open the season prior to the Dodgers win last night. The pitching matchup features two veteran, future Hall-of-Famers in three-time CY Young award winner Clayton Kershaw for the Dodgers and 2014 World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner for the Diamondbacks.

GAME ODDS

Moneyline : Dodgers -230, Diamondbacks +190

Run line: Dodgers -1.5 (-144), Diamondbacks +1.5 (+120)

Run total: over 9 (-118)  under 9 (-104)

GAME STORYLINES

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made the postseason for ten straight seasons and are pretty much a lock to make it again this season as they return a potent lineup which features Mookie Betts, Will Smith, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy. They also added veteran outfielders J.D. Martinez and Jason Heyward, and highly-touted rookie James Outman. Dodgers utility outfielder Trayce Thompson (the younger brother of Golden State Warriors star Klay) is tied for team lead in home runs with three on the early season. Clayton Kershaw is 21-11, 2.67 ERA in 42 starts in his career against Arizona. 

Arizona has not made the postseason since 2017 but are hoping for a turnaround this year behind their top two starters in young ace Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, both had breakout seasons in 2022. On offense, power hitters Christian Walker (36 HR, 94 RBI in 2022) and Daulton Varsho (27 HR 74 RBI in 2022) also enjoyed breakout/career years last season. 22-year-old outfielder Corbin Carroll was one of the preseason favorites to win the National League Rookie of the Year. Arizona may have a difficult time making the postseason as the San Diego Padres have joined the Dodgers in sparing no expense to win the World Series. It’s almost as if Arizona, San Francisco and Colorado will be playing for third in the National League West.  

THE PICK

Depending on what how much you wager, you won’t get a lot in return if you take the Dodgers on the moneyline. so take the Dodgers -1.5 on the run line, I think the Dodgers will win again tonight by multiple runs with Kershaw on the mound and all of the great hitters in their lineup.