Both the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers are off to disappointing starts on the MLB schedule. But two historic MLB teams open up a weekend series with hopes that three MLB games against one another can turn the tables.
The Dodgers (13-13) are second in the National League West MLB standings with a +9 run differential. The Cardinals (10-16) are last in the NL Central, but have a minus-5 runs differential.
Here is a breakdown of each team, the Cardinals vs Dodgers odds, MLB picks, and more.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Information
St. Louis Cardinals vs Los Angeles Dodgers
Location of the game: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA.
Date & Time: Friday, April 28, 2023, 10:10 p.m. ET
How to watch: Apple TV+
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Odds
Los Angeles Dodgers: The Cardinals vs Dodgers odds show the Dodgers are favored at -132 on the moneyline and -1.5 (+145) on the run line.
St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals are +122 on the moneyline and +1.5 (-165) on the run line. The over/under is 9.0 runs with +100 odds on the over and -120 on the under.
The Dodgers’ implied run total is 4.5 runs with -120 odds on the over and -110 odds on the under. The Cardinals’ implied run total is 4.0 runs, with -110 odds on the over and -120 odds on the under.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
While the St. Louis Cardinals standings are not what they had hoped, there is an encouraging sign in their run differential. Their offense is underperforming, and their pitching staff has not been good.
The Cardinals are 17th in scoring 4.55 runs per game, but that is low since they are fourth with a .267 batting average and sixth with a .772 OPS. The pitching staff, however, is 23rd in allowing 5.0 runs per game, 28th with a batting average against of .275, and 26th with an opposing OPS of .793. The MLB injury report has hampered the pitching, but the bats are just not as hot as they were last year.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are fifth in scoring 5.34 runs per game despite ranking 26th with a batting average of .226. They are eighth with a .771 OPS and second with 1.84 home runs per game. But they are 27th with 9.74 strikeouts per game.
Due back for the Los Angeles Dodgers game are Max Muncy and Brusdar Graterol, who each were on the maternity list. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez is questionable with a back injury.
A good series for the Dodgers could lead to them surpassing the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West. Conversely, the Cardinals could cut into their eight-game deficit in the NL Central
Starting Pitchers
Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals
Flaherty has won once on this road trip and is 2-2 with a 3.29 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 27.1 innings pitched, MLB player stats showed.
Dustin May, Los Angeles Dodgers
May has been sharp and is 2-1 with a 3.07 ERA, though only 19 strikeouts in 29.1 innings pitched.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Picks and Predictions
Those who have made their bets public show 53% of bets are on the over. However, the under is 12-5 in the last 17 meetings in Los Angeles. But Flaherty has had his struggles the past few years, partly due to injuries, but has kept the bad starts at bay so far. The over truly will be dependent on whether the Cardinals can heat up offensively.
Another 73% like Los Angeles when choosing Cardinals vs Dodgers odds. The Dodgers have won four of the last five games and are 8-2 in the last ten meetings at Dodger Stadium.
While neither team is playing well, the Dodgers should certainly have more confidence with how the teams are playing to start the season. They are 6-6 at home, while the Cardinals are 4-8 on the road.
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