These clubs have already completed over half of their scheduled meetings with each other this year, with the Dodgers winning eight of those ten clashes.
It would take San Diego winning the remainder of its regular season tilts with the Dodgers to put itself in a position to win the rivals’ season series, something it hasn’t done since 2010.
Let’s take a closer look at these teams before we make a Padres vs. Dodgers betting prediction.
MLB Performance Recap
San Diego (73-59) just swept the San Francisco Giants on the road, winning three one-run ball games to do so.
Padres Performance
On Wednesday, the Padres were powered to a narrow victory by pitcher Joe Musgrove’s season-high 11 strikeouts and three Manny Machado RBIs.
Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim was their only player to register multiple hits in that one, while second baseman Jake Cronenworth and catcher Luis Campusano also drove in runs.
Dodgers Performance
Los Angeles Dodgers (90-40) just suffered a rare series loss in visiting the New York Mets. They lost, 5-3, on Thursday, leaving seven on base and going 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
The defeat was no fault of Clayton Kershaw’s, who went five innings, allowing only one hit and an earned run.
Of course, it’s important we glance over the MLB team stats before making our Padres vs. Dodgers betting prediction.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres Betting Analysis
Dodgers Analysis
Getting a three-game series underway, the Padres will pay a visit to the Dodgers on Friday night. Read this article to see if San Diego can beat L.A.
Even with the consecutive losses in the Big Apple, Los Angeles is 50 games above .500 and has the best record in the major leagues.
In fact, the Dodgers have as many wins at home (45) as Washington does altogether. They lead the NL West by 18 games, a very comfortable margin, with San Diego in second place.
Best Team Batting Average
With that, it comes as no surprise that Los Angeles is tied for having the best team batting average (.261) in the bigs.
It does come as a shock, however, that the other team with the same mark is Colorado, who sits at the foot of the grouping and has won the fewest number of road games in the Senior Circuit this year.
The Dodgers are also a patient bunch, drawing more walks than any team not named the New York Yankees.
Dodgers Rankings
Los Angeles ranks first in MLB in RBIs and total runs and in the top five in terms of base hits and home runs.
First baseman Freddie Freeman has been a welcomed addition to the lineup. Since joining the team as a free agent this past offseason, he leads the crew by hitting .324 with a .396 on-base percentage and 165 total knocks.
His batting average is the second-best in the majors, while his OPS grades out eight-best. He’s one of two Dodgers with at least 80 runs driven in this campaign — the other being shortstop Trea Turner. Right fielder Mookie Betts has piled up 32 home runs, which are the fourth-most in the bigs to date.
Five other Los Angeles players have double-digit homers; a group that includes:
- catcher Will Smith
- center fielder Cody Bellinger
- third baseman Max Muncy
- Justin Turner
The team is just as good on the mound as it is with the lumber. The Dodgers’ pitching staff has a collective 2.84 ERA, which is by far the best in the NL. Its 324 walks allowed are the second-fewest in MLB.
Dustin May will take the hill here. He’s 1-1 with a 1.64 ERA in two appearances in 2022.
Padres Analysis
San Diego Padres are winners of five of their last six outings, which has been important when it comes to clinging to the NL’s final Wild Card spot.
Right now, San Diego has a three-game lead on the Milwaukee Brewers, who, for the moment, are the only real threat to the Friars’ playoff seat.
Of course, it wouldn’t hurt them to climb higher, as they’re only half a game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the second Wild Card position.
Even away from home, San Diego has been fairly comfortable, coming out on the right side of more road games than anyone in the NL but the Mets and Dodgers.
Padres Need Improvement
In the batter’s box, the Padres have some room for improvement. Their .243 team batting average is the 16th-best in MLB, while they grade out in the bottom third of the majors as it pertains to long balls.
Machado has been the guy for them, leading the group in all major statistical categories at the dish.
Making the start on the mound for them will be Yu Darvish, who’s gone 11-7 with a 3.41 ERA in his 24 nods this campaign. His 0.99 WHIP is one of the best in baseball.
MLB Injury Report
The only position player out for the Padres is backstop Jorge Alfaro, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 26. He’s dealing with right knee inflammation.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres Betting Preview
MLB odds today have Los Angeles -1.5 on the run line at +112, while the Padres are -134 to cover the spread. MLB picks today should take advantage of that number.
On the moneyline, the Dodgers are -172 and San Diego a +144 underdog. The total has been set at eight runs, with the over being -102 and the under -120.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres Betting Prediction
Time for our Padres vs. Dodgers betting prediction. While the Dodgers have, for all intents and purposes, run away with the division crown, it’s important not to sleep on San Diego, which has proven to be one of the most talented teams in MLB.
Who to Bet On?
These teams are pretty even, so it’s likely this one boils down to whoever’s hurler can get off to a better start. Darvish has much more experience on the rubber and has seen Los Angeles’ order already this year.
Take the Padres to cover at the very least, and make sure to pay attention to this among your MLB games today.
MLB Pick: Padres +1.5 (-150)
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.