Game Summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers (81-54) will face the Arizona Diamondbacks (76-59) at Chase Field in Phoenix on August 31, 2024, at 8:10 PM EDT. This matchup marks the 11th meeting of the season, with both teams tied at 5-5 in the season series. The Dodgers come into this game riding a three-game win streak, while the Diamondbacks have been performing strongly, going 7-3 in their last 10 games.

Recent performances show that the Dodgers have excelled with a .251 batting average and a 3.46 ERA, outscoring opponents by 20 runs. Their success has been bolstered by the power of Shohei Ohtani, who leads the team with 43 home runs. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have a .274 batting average and a 4.70 ERA, showcasing their offensive capability, especially in home games where they hold a 38-29 record. Notably, Arizona has a record of 38-14 when hitting at least two home runs in a game.

Both teams have faced injury issues, with the Dodgers missing key pitchers like Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow. The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, are without Ketel Marte and Christian Walker, which weakens their lineup. Despite these injuries, both teams remain competitive, making this matchup significant for playoff positioning.

Player Prop Odds

The prop odds for Freddie Freeman in the upcoming game are as follows:

• Batter Doubles: 0.5 (+255)
• Batter Hits: 1.5 (+165)
• Batter RBIs: 0.5 (+110)
• Batter Runs Scored: 0.5 (-135)
• Batter Singles: 0.5 (-175)
• Batter Total Bases: 1.5 (-125)

Player Analysis

Freddie Freeman has been a key contributor for the Dodgers this season. He boasts a batting average of .294, with 21 home runs and 82 RBIs. His ability to get on base consistently and drive in runs makes him a formidable player in this matchup. Freeman has a total of 161 hits this season, and his strong performance against right-handed pitchers, like Merrill Kelly, could be crucial. He has a solid on-base percentage of .372, which enhances his chances of scoring runs and getting hits.

Opposing Analysis

Facing Merrill Kelly, Freeman will encounter a pitcher with a 4-0 record and a 3.98 ERA this season. Kelly has shown capability in limiting runs but has given up 6 home runs in 40.2 innings pitched. The Dodgers lineup has a knack for exploiting pitchers who struggle with command, and if Freeman can capitalize on Kelly's mistakes, he could very well exceed his prop bets.

Prop Analysis

Analyzing Freeman's props, the "Batter Runs Scored" at 0.5 (-135) and "Batter Hits" at 1.5 (+165) are intriguing. Given Freeman's on-base ability and the Dodgers' offensive prowess, there's a high likelihood for him to score if he gets on base. Additionally, with the potential for doubles and total bases, the odds are favorable for Freeman to hit at least two bases worth of hits against Kelly. The prop for RBIs at 0.5 (+110) also stands out, considering the potential for scoring opportunities with runners on base.

Starting Pitching Summary - Dodgers

Gavin Stone will take the mound for the Dodgers with an impressive record of 11-5 and a 3.33 ERA. His ability to strike out hitters (112 strikeouts in 135.1 innings) will be critical in controlling the Diamondbacks' offense. Stone's recent form has been strong, and he has shown the capability to limit damage, which bodes well for the Dodgers in this matchup.

Starting Pitching Summary - Diamondbacks

Merrill Kelly, with a record of 4-0 and a 3.98 ERA, is expected to challenge the Dodgers lineup effectively. However, he faces a tough task against a potent offense. Kelly's 32 strikeouts in 40.2 innings show he can be effective, but he must avoid giving up big hits to players like Freeman to keep the game competitive.

Bullpen Summary - Dodgers

The Dodgers bullpen has been solid this season with a combined ERA of 4.47, ranking them in the mid-tier of MLB bullpens. With pitchers like Brusdar Graterol and others on the injured list, the depth may be tested if Stone cannot go deep into the game. However, they have shown resilience in high-pressure situations, which is crucial for closing out games.

Bullpen Summary - Diamondbacks

Arizona's bullpen has been slightly stronger, holding a 3.75 ERA, ranking them in the top tier. They have a few reliable arms capable of shutting down late-game rallies. The performance of the bullpen will be crucial depending on how well Kelly performs against the Dodgers' lineup.

Team Previews

The Dodgers, with a potent offense leading the league in runs scored (723), will look to exploit the Diamondbacks' pitching and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have shown they can score runs, but their pitching consistency will be tested against a formidable Dodgers lineup.

Team Injuries

Injuries can always impact game performance:

Recent Games

Here’s a look at the recent performance of both teams: