Dodgers vs Pirates Preview: Strong Pitching Matchups in Store
Los Angeles Should Be Favored in All Three Games
The Los Angeles Dodgers (38-23) visit the Pittsburgh Pirates (27-32) for a three-game series beginning Tuesday. The Dodgers are cruising along with a good-sized lead in the NL West.
Pittsburgh is in fourth place in the NL Central. Both teams are right about where they were expected to be at this point in the season. The Los Angeles Dodgers roster is one of the best in baseball. Pittsburgh is No. 29 in spending, but they haven’t played all that bad considering the lack of payroll.
The Dodgers vs Pirates preview sees Tyler Glasnow and Jared Jones are the scheduled starters for Tuesday’s opening game.
- The Dodgers are -182 and the total is 7.5-over (-112). Los Angeles is -110 on the run line at -1.5 runs.
The Dodgers are tied for fifth in scoring at 4.9 runs per game. Los Angeles is No. 4 in team batting average and No. 3 in home runs, so for the most part, the offense is doing its job.
The Dodgers should probably be a bit higher in scoring considering their other stats, but the offense is holding its own.
The pitching staff has been steady despite some MLB injuries. The bullpen has performed well and that was a question mark entering the season. Los Angeles has 18 saves and seven blown saves, which isn’t bad at all.
The Pirates are No. 25 in team batting and No. 20 in home runs, which has them averaging 4.1 runs per game. That’s in the bottom half of the league and one reason why the Pirates are where they are in the MLB standings.
The pitching has been a shade above average, with Pittsburgh No. 14 in team ERA. Pirate relievers have 16 saves, but 13 blown saves. The starters have done a better job than the relievers.
Dodgers vs Pirates 
Day/Time:
Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Streaming: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Spectrum SportsNet LA
Tuesday’s Game
Glasnow has done everything the Dodgers could have asked. He’s gone to the mound every six days and given the Dodgers a chance to win most MLB games.
Los Angeles is 8-4 when he starts and 4-1 when he starts on the road. He’s been one of the most consistent pitchers for Los Angeles this season.
Jones doesn’t have bad numbers for the Pirates, as he’s 3-5 with a 3.55 ERA. Pittsburgh is 4-7 when he starts, although five of the seven losses have come with the MLB team scoring two runs or less.
His last couple of starts haven’t been all that impressive, so he could be a candidate to bounce back a little here. He has better numbers pitching at home and with Glasnow a better road pitcher, the under is the way to look in this one.
Wednesday’s Game
The Dodgers vs Pirates preview shows lefty James Paxton and Paul Skenes as the scheduled starters for Game 2. Paxton is 5-0 on the MLB season with a 3.29 ERA and Los Angeles is 8-2 when he starts.
He did just last three innings in his last outing when he was on a pitch count of 50. Paxton was pitching on four days of rest and knew before the game he’d be limited. He should be off the count here.
He’ll be opposed by phenom Skenes, who was taken No. 1 overall in the 2023 MLB Amateur Draft. The Pirates are still taking it easy with their prized rookie, but he’s been impressive so far. He’s 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA and has fanned 30 in just 22 innings.
The Dodgers are going to be the toughest team he’s faced so far this season. Skenes’ name and the start he’s gotten off to could help the line down. If the price is reasonable, LA deserves a look.
Thursday’s Game
The Dodgers vs Pirates preview shows Walker Buehler and Bailey Falter getting the starts in the series finale. Buehler is still trying to work his way back from his injury.
He’s stretching out a little bit more, having thrown at least 5 2/3 innings his last three starts. He’s look good at times and average at others, which is reflected in his 4.32 ERA. The Dodgers are hoping he regains his form about halfway through the 2024 MLB schedule.
Falter is 3-2 with a 3.22 ERA and the Pirates are 6-5 when he starts. He’s pitched a little better at home, where Pittsburgh is 4-1 when he starts. For a value underdog play, the Pirates might be worth a stab in this one if the price is decent.
For MLB betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
