San Diego (39-31) at LA Dodgers (43-29)
- When: Jun 16 2025, 10:10 PM
- Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Where to watch: SDPA
Padres vs Dodgers – Game Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Moneyline: LA Dodgers -159 | Total: 9.0
Los Angeles Dodgers Preview
The Dodgers are turning heads once again and this time, not just with their bats. Shohei Ohtani will officially toe the rubber for the first time since August 2023, making his long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery. Though he’ll be used as an opener, expect a high-energy inning from the two-way superstar, who hasn’t pitched in a regular season game since joining L.A. on a $700 million deal. Ohtani’s career numbers are stellar: 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts across 86 starts.
Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani is “antsy” and ready, and with 14 pitchers still on the IL, the timing couldn’t be better. The Dodgers open the series as -159 favorites, and with their lineup producing consistently, they have the edge despite Ohtani’s short leash.
Dodgers Prop Picks:
Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 Total Bases – Even with limited innings on the mound, he’ll still impact the game offensively.
Freddie Freeman Over 0.5 RBIs – Hitting in the heart of the order vs. a righty who’s been up and down.
San Diego Padres Preview
The Padres send Dylan Cease to the hill, and he’s coming off his best outing of the season: seven shutout innings with 11 Ks against ironically the Dodgers. He finally snapped a five-game losing skid and reminded everyone what he’s capable of when he gets ahead early in counts. Cease now sits with a 2-1 record and 1.95 ERA in his career against L.A., giving San Diego a real shot if he’s on point again.
Unfortunately, the Padres will be without Jackson Merrill, who hit the IL with a concussion. Merrill was one of the few bats consistently producing, and his absence puts added pressure on the lineup to perform against a Dodgers team looking to rebound from recent bullpen issues.
Padres Prop Picks:
Fernando Tatis Jr. Over 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs – He’ll need to spark this offense without Merrill.
Dylan Cease Over 6.5 Strikeouts – Confidence is back, and the matchup is familiar.
Betting Insight & Prediction
With Ohtani expected to pitch just one inning, this will be a bullpen-heavy night for L.A., but their lineup can outslug San Diego, especially with Merrill out. Cease may keep it close early, but the Dodgers’ depth should shine.
Final Score Prediction: Dodgers 5, Giants 3
Lean: LA Dodgers RL -1.5 (+136)
Total: Under 9.0 (-120) – if Cease holds early and Ohtani sets the tone
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
