- Get MLB expert picks and analysis for Dodgers vs. Phillies.
- The Phillies are -115 favorites in Game 1.
For the first time since 2009, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies will face off in a postseason series. Game 1 of the NLDS is set for Saturday at Citizens Bank Park on TBS.
The Phillies defeated the Dodgers in the 2009 NLCS to reach the World Series. That matters when talking about this series, as these two teams are considered the World Series favorites at this point in October.
Philadelphia, which has home-field advantage after the bye, enters as a short favorite to win Game 1. But the Dodgers will be sending Shohei Ohtani to the mound to help set the tone in their attempt to become the first repeat champions since 2000.
Here’s a look at the latest MLB odds and my Dodgers vs. Phillies prediction ahead of Game 1:
Dodgers vs. Phillies Odds for Game 1
- Dodgers moneyline: -105
- Phillies moneyline: -115
- Total: 7
Dodgers vs. Phillies Prediction for Game 1
My favorite Dodgers vs. Phillies prediction for Game 1 of the NLDS involves backing Ohtani as a two-way force, taking the +170 price tag on him to record one RBI.
This will be Ohtani’s first playoff game as a pitcher, so it’s worth taking a look at his pitching props as well. His strikeouts prop opened at 5.5, while his earned runs line has been set at 1.5.
For what it’s worth, Ohtani closed the regular season with three straight scoreless starts with 18 total strikeouts.
As if that’s not enough, Ohtani also remains one of the best hitters in the sport. He’s on his way to a fourth MVP award after hitting .282 with 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 146 runs during the regular season.
I’m interested in Ohtani’s odds to score a run in Game 1 when those markets become available, but he offers the best value in the RBI market on Saturday. His +170 odds give him an implied probability of 37.04%.
Ballpark Pal’s model projects Ohtani with the best chance of driving in a run among players on both teams in Game 1. He’s projected for 0.48 RBI in the opener, meaning it’s closer to a coin flip.
Ohtani drove in four runs during a 2-0 sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Wild Card series. This comes after he recorded 10 RBIs in 16 games last postseason.
I’m comfortable backing Ohtani in Saturday’s showdown.
Prediction: Shohei Ohtani over 0.5 RBIs (+170)
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