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Philadelphia (77-60) at Arizona (73-65)
- When: Aug 31 2026, 9:40 PM
- Where: Chase Field, Phoenix
- TV: ARID
Philadelphia vs Arizona MLB Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Philadelphia -119
Runline: Philadelphia -1.5 (+145)
Total: 8.5
Wild-Card Baseball Gets Uncomfortable
Philadelphia and Arizona open a huge three-game series Monday in Phoenix with both clubs buried in the NL wild-card traffic jam.
The Phillies are absolutely rolling, going 20-7 in August after a miserable 9-15 July. They just swept the Angels and are tied with Chicago for the NL’s top wild-card spot.
Arizona sits only a half-game ahead of San Diego for the final wild card. So yes, every loss now comes with approximately three hours of scoreboard watching and unnecessary stress.
Marte Returns to the Drama
Ketel Marte is eligible to return after his unexcused absence, restricted-list stint and left knee inflammation created considerably more drama than Arizona ordered.
His teammates appear ready to move forward, which is convenient because the Diamondbacks could certainly use his bat.
Nolan Arenado and Geraldo Perdomo made it clear the priority is winning baseball games rather than turning the clubhouse into daytime television.
Pfaadt Has Been Filthy
Arizona starts Brandon Pfaadt, who enters 7-1 with a 3.51 ERA.
More importantly, Pfaadt is 7-0 with a ridiculous 2.15 ERA across his last 11 starts.
There is one problem: Philadelphia has treated him poorly. Pfaadt is 0-2 with a 7.59 ERA in two career regular-season starts against the Phillies.
Nola Is Finally Behaving
Aaron Nola’s season numbers remain ugly at 5-10 with a 5.03 ERA, but he has quietly turned things around.
Nola owns a 2.60 ERA over his last six starts and allowed just two runs across six innings against Seattle last time out.
His career 6.23 ERA against Arizona, however, is enough to make Phillies bettors inspect the fine print.
LVSB Betting Prediction
Philadelphia is -119 on the moneyline, -1.5 at +145, with the total at 8.5.
Pfaadt has the stronger season profile, but Philadelphia owns the hotter lineup and arrives playing its best baseball.
LVSB Score Prediction
Pick: Philadelphia Phillies -119
Total: Over 8.5
- MLB Baseball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
