Following the All-Star break, a critical NL West series begins between the Dodgers and Giants. My MLB betting guide for the first of a four-game set is below. Click on any of the odds to place a wager.
Free Pick’Em Contests! Compete for prizes every day by entering our free betting games. MLB, UFC, golf and more!
MLB Betting: San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers
With the Dodgers’ World Series odds near the top of the board, they’ll be a decently sized favorite in nearly every game. In fact, Los Angeles broke a 150-game streak of being favored in June 2021.
However, the Giants possess an advantage on the mound and at the dish, respectively, and it starts with NL Cy Young contender Carlos Rodon (). The All-Star snub boasts a 2.66 ERA, but his 2.14 FIP showcases his true first-half dominance.
Rodon also owns the second-highest fWAR (3.8) among all starting pitchers — behind only Sandy Alcantara.
The southpaw’s command plagues him at times, and Freddie Freeman & Co. represent one of the league’s most patient lineups. But their wRC+ against lefties is still 11 points lower than the other way around.
Moreover, the Dodgers’ bats showcase the 12th-lowest efficiency versus the slider — Rodon’s wipeout pitch. Considering he’ll oppose Mitch White and his lowly 4.22 xERA, the Giants certainly have the pitching edge on paper.
Will San Francisco’s Lineup Continue Surge?
Gabe Kapler’s crew broke out right before the break, delivering a collective 118 wRC+ versus the Brewers’ sound pitching staff. It’ll now square off against the four-seam fastball-friendly White, which the Giants’ offense manufactures the fifth-highest efficiency against that pitch type.
In particular, Joc Pederson and Thairo Estrada own a top 30 efficiency among all hitters with at least 200 at bats, so expect that to carry over Thursday evening.
San Francisco’s above-average bullpen gives me enough comfort to back them full-game, too, so I’m going that route with my MLB betting strategy.
Best Available Line: TheLines’ 2022 MLB odds comparison tool
Eli’s MLB Bet:
Sportsbook Promos In Your State
Continue the discussion in our Discord betting chat, where bettors discuss their favorite wagers. You can also follow TheLines on Twitter.
