Game Summary

The upcoming matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers (81-54, 1st in NL West) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (76-59, 2nd in NL West) promises to be a thrilling contest. The game, taking place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 8:10 PM EDT, will unfold at Chase Field. The Dodgers have been in outstanding form, winning eight of their last ten games, and they will aim to keep their momentum alive against a competitive Diamondbacks squad, which has also been performing well with a 7-3 record in their last ten outings.

Historically, this matchup has been evenly contested, with the season series tied at 5-5. The Dodgers have excelled in preventing home runs, boasting a record of 31-6 when they do not allow any long balls. On the flipside, the Diamondbacks have a strong home record of 38-29 and are particularly dangerous when they hit multiple home runs, holding a 38-14 record in such games. Expect a competitive atmosphere as both teams are vying for crucial wins in the playoff race.

The Dodgers will send Gavin Stone to the mound, who holds an 11-5 record with a 3.33 ERA and 112 strikeouts. His recent performances have been solid, contributing to the team's success. The Diamondbacks counter with Merrill Kelly, who is 4-0 with a 3.98 ERA and 32 strikeouts, showcasing his ability to keep opponents at bay. The pitching matchup will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game and the performance of key hitters like Will Smith.

Player Prop Odds

Here are the current player prop odds for Will Smith:

• Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+275)
• Batter Hits: Over 1.5 (+220)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+140)
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (-115)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (-120)
• Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 (+105)

Player Analysis

Will Smith has emerged as one of the key offensive players for the Dodgers this season. As of now, he boasts a strong batting average and has been consistently delivering in clutch situations. With his ability to drive in runs and create scoring opportunities, Smith is positioned for a productive game against the Diamondbacks.

This season, Smith has an impressive average of .284 with 21 home runs and 82 RBIs. His discipline at the plate is evident, as he has a solid on-base percentage, which contributes to his scoring potential. In the last couple of weeks, Smith has shown signs of being particularly dangerous as he adjusts well to different pitching styles. His ability to hit against right-handers, like Merrill Kelly, adds to his appeal as a prop bet candidate.

Opposing Analysis

The Diamondbacks' pitching staff will pose a challenge for Smith. Merrill Kelly, while having a solid season, has shown vulnerability against left-handed hitters. Smith's left-handed bat could exploit Kelly's weaknesses, especially with his ability to drive the ball into the gaps. The Diamondbacks' bullpen has also been inconsistent, creating additional opportunities for Smith to capitalize during the later innings of the game.

Prop Analysis

When evaluating the props for Will Smith, several options stand out. The Over on runs scored at -115 seems reasonable given Smith's consistent ability to find his way around the bases. Additionally, the Over on RBIs at +140 is enticing, as Smith has been driving in runs at a high rate, especially in high-scoring games like this one.

The odds for total bases at Over 1.5 (+105) also merit consideration. Given Smith's power and contact ability, he can easily achieve this mark, especially if the Dodgers can capitalize on opportunities early in the game.

Starting Pitching Summary - Dodgers

Gavin Stone will be the starting pitcher for the Dodgers. He has been a key asset for the team this season, boasting an 11-5 record and a 3.33 ERA across 135.1 innings pitched. His strikeout capability (112 K) has made him a reliable option in tight situations. Stone's performance will be crucial, as a strong outing can set a positive tone for the Dodgers' offense, including Will Smith.

Starting Pitching Summary - Diamondbacks

Merrill Kelly is set to take the mound for the Diamondbacks. With a 4-0 record and 3.98 ERA in 40.2 innings pitched, Kelly has proven to be effective. However, he has been susceptible to giving up hits, particularly against left-handed hitters. His ability to control the game will be tested against the potent lineup of the Dodgers, and this may impact Smith's performance.

Bullpen Summary - Dodgers

The Dodgers' bullpen has been relatively strong this season, allowing them to maintain leads in games. Depth and performance in the late innings will be key, especially if the game remains close. With several reliable options available, they can close out games efficiently, which could help Will Smith rack up additional RBIs in the latter part of the game.

Bullpen Summary - Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks' bullpen has shown inconsistencies, which may present opportunities for Smith and the Dodgers' lineup to capitalize on late-game scenarios. If Kelly struggles, expect the Dodgers to push the pace, leading to more scoring chances for Smith.

Team Previews

The Los Angeles Dodgers rank highly in several offensive categories, including runs scored (1st in MLB) and batting average (2nd in MLB). Their ability to get on base and score runs creates a favorable environment for players like Will Smith to thrive.

On the other hand, the Arizona Diamondbacks have also shown strong batting capabilities, ranking 4th in runs scored and 9th in batting average. However, their pitching has been a mixed bag, with the bullpen needing to step up to support their offense.

Team Injuries

Here’s a quick look at the injury status for both teams:

Recent Games

Here are the last five games for each team: