Los Angeles Dodgers VS Arizona Diamondbacks will be happening live on Major League Baseball’s opening matchday for the regular season.
The Diamondbacks (0-0) will want to kick off their 2023 campaign with a victory when they face the Dodgers (0-0) in what is the first game of their four-game series. They finished last season with a 74-88 record, which is not bad for fourth in the NHL West. The Dodgers, on the other hand, ended the season with a 111-51 record, leading the league, but lost to the San Diego Padres in the NLCS.
Zac Gallen will start for Arizona. Gallen was 12-4 with a 2.54 ERA last season. Julio Urias will start for Los Angeles Dodgers. Urias was 17-7 with a 2.16 ERA last season.
The Dodgers are 7-3 in their last 10 games against Arizona.
As always, MatchPlug is ready with MLB Predictions Today for the Dodgers and Diamond Backs game.
Predictions and Betting Preview For Los Angeles Dodgers VS Arizona Diamondbacks Regular Season
- Venue: Dodgers Stadium, Los Angeles, California
- When: Thursday, March 30th, 2023
- Time: 19:10 GMT
- Teams to play: Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks.
- MLB Expert Picks: SPREAD -1.5
Odds as seen on 1XBet.
Betting On The Los Angeles Dodgers
- 1XBet Spread: +1.5
- 1XBet Moneyline: 2.085
- 1XBet Over/Under: Over 7.5
The Los Angeles Dodgers finished last season with the best record, but they were eliminated from the playoffs in four games by the Padres in the NLCS. Although they lost Trea Turner, Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger, Joey Gallo and Edwin Rios, they got veteran players like JD Martinez, David Peralta, Miguel Rojas, and Jason Heyward, so a huge drop in their offensive production shouldn’t be expected.
Los Angeles averaged 5.17 runs per game last season. Their .257 batting average was fourth in the league. Their .333 on-base percentage was first, while their .442 slugging percentage was second. Freddie Freeman led them with a .325 batting average, 21 home runs, and 100 RBI.
The Dodgers’ pitching was one of the best in MLB last season, they gave up 3.18 runs per game. Opponents had a .209 batting average against the Dodgers, which was the first in the league. Their 2.80 ERA led the league, and so did their 1.05 WHIP.
During his last start against the Diamondbacks, Urias forfeited three hits and one run in 5.1 innings, leading to a 3-2 win for the Dodgers. They’ll need another start from him if they intend to win.
Injuries: Daniel Hudson (Knee) and Tony Gonsolin (Ankle) are out indefinitely, and Galvin Lux (ACL) is out for the season.
Betting On The Arizona Diamondbacks
- 1XBet Spread: -1.5
- 1XBet Moneyline: 1.868
- 1XBet Over/Under: Under 7.5
Last season, the Arizona Diamondbacks finished fourth position in the NL West, but were 11 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies, who got the final Wildcard spot. This team has lots of talented young players who are expected to boost their performances last season and added veterans like Lourders Gurriel Jr., Kyle Lewis, and Evan Longoria. They hope these players will help them achieve their playoff dream.
They averaged 4.33 goals per game last season. Their .230 batting average was 26th in the league. Their .304 on-base percentage was 24th, while their .385 slugging percentage was 20th.
Josh Rojas led the Diamondbacks with a .269 batting average, while Christian Walker led the team with 36 home runs and 94 RBI.
Arizona’s pitching wasn’t very well last season, with the team conceding 4.57 runs per game. Opponents had a .247 batting average against the Diamondbacks, which was 20th in the league. Their 4.25 ERA was 23rd, while their 1.29 WHIP was 20th.
The last time the Diamondbacks started against the Dodgers, Gallen forfeited two hits and one run in eight innings, while striking out 13 batters. They’ll need him to give the same performance for them to win this game.
Injury: Joe Mantiply (Shoulder) is on the 10-day IL. Carson Kelly (Forearm) is out indefinitely.
MatchPlug Prediction
In the 2022 season, the Diamondbacks were average in offense, averaging 4.33 runs per game. They didn’t make a splash during the offseason but added a few veterans that might boost their offense.
Even with the new additions, they may struggle offensively in this game, as they did not hit the ball well against left-handers and Urias has had lots of success against them, going 7-1 in eight games against them. He conceded three runs in his last four starts against the Diamondbacks and will regulate their offense again.
The Dodgers were MLB’s best offensive team last season, but they lost key offensive players like Turner and Bellinger. Despite these losses, Los Angeles still has lots of depth including players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, so they won’t be a huge drop in offense.
Gallen was one of the best pitchers in MLB last season, but he has not had much luck against the Dodgers, going 1-2 in nine starts against them. He gave up five runs in his last two starts in Los Angeles and will find it challenging to slow them down in today’s matchup. So, bettors are advised to go with Los Angeles to cover the line.
For more accurate MLB Expert Picks for Dodgers VS Diamondbacks, check the sportsbook odds we listed.
Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks Spread.
