LA Dodgers (25-12) at Arizona (19-18)
- When: May 8 2025, 9:40 PM
- Where: Chase Field, Phoenix
- Where to watch: ARID
Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks Game Preview and Expert Predictions
Moneyline: LA Dodgers (-150)
Total: 9.5
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks are set to open a four-game series in Phoenix, marking the first time these two NL West rivals meet this season. Both teams are coming off contrasting performances, with the Dodgers dominating the Marlins in their last game, while Arizona stumbled against the Mets. The Dodgers are slight favorites in this matchup, and for good reason—they lead the league with 25 wins and boast an impressive number of comeback victories.
Los Angeles Dodgers Overview
The Dodgers enter this series riding the momentum of a 10-1 blowout win over the Miami Marlins, where Freddie Freeman starred with three hits and four RBIs, while James Outman smashed a three-run homer. Despite some key injuries to their starting rotation, including Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers have managed to hold the fort, thanks in large part to their bullpen. However, manager Dave Roberts noted that the heavy reliance on relief innings is unsustainable in the long term.
Taking the mound for Los Angeles is Yoshinobu Yamamoto (4-2, 0.90 ERA), who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. He leads the majors in ERA and has been virtually unhittable, allowing only 24 hits in 40 innings while striking out 49 batters. Yamamoto has surrendered just one earned run over his last 32 innings, and he’s coming off a dominant performance against the Atlanta Braves where he threw six scoreless innings and allowed just one hit.
Yamamoto has also proven he can handle the Diamondbacks, having beaten them twice last May with a combined 13 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings, giving up only two runs. With the Dodgers riding high and Yamamoto dealing, expect Los Angeles to have the upper hand.
Arizona Diamondbacks Overview
The Diamondbacks finally dive into divisional play after 39 games, with this being their first crack at an NL West opponent. Arizona enters the series after dropping two out of three to the New York Mets, capped off by a 7-1 loss on Wednesday. Manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the importance of these divisional games, stating it brings “a different spice” to their schedule.
Brandon Pfaadt (5-2, 3.79 ERA) gets the nod for Arizona, looking to rebound after a rough outing against the Phillies where he allowed seven runs (six earned) in 4 2/3 innings. Pfaadt had been on a five-game winning streak prior to that stumble, but his history against the Dodgers is less than encouraging. He’s 2-2 with a 6.20 ERA in four starts against Los Angeles, including a pair of losses in 2023.
Several Dodger hitters have seen Pfaadt well, with Freddie Freeman going 4-for-11 with a homer, Michael Conforto posting a 3-for-7 line with two home runs, and Mookie Betts adding 4-for-9 against him. Pfaadt will need to contain this power-heavy lineup if Arizona hopes to keep it close.
Prediction and Final Score
With Yamamoto on the mound and the Dodgers’ lineup clicking, Los Angeles has a clear edge heading into Game 1 of this series. Pfaadt’s struggles against the Dodgers’ key hitters only amplify the challenge for Arizona. Expect the Dodgers to take command early and maintain pressure throughout.
Final Score Prediction: Dodgers 7, Diamondbacks 3
Lean: Dodgers RL -1.5 (+105)
Total Play: Over 9.5 (+105)
Look for Los Angeles to win and cover the runline, with the game pushing towards the Over 9.5, driven by Dodger power and Yamamoto’s dominance on the mound.
Player Prop Picks:
Freddie Freeman – Over 1.5 Total Bases: Freeman has hit well against Pfaadt in the past and is coming off a strong showing in Miami.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto – Over 5.5 Strikeouts: Given his dominant form and Arizona’s struggles against quality pitching, Yamamoto is well-positioned to rack up the strikeouts.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
