MLB Game Preview: New York Mets (7-10) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (12-4)

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Los Angeles Dodgers logo

Dodger Stadium (UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium), Los Angeles, CA
First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 PM EDT
TV: SNY, SNLA, MLB.TV

This NL East vs. NL West interleague series Game 2 pits a struggling Mets club on a six-game losing skid against the red-hot Dodgers, who took Monday’s opener 4-0 behind Justin Wrobleski’s gem. Los Angeles sits atop the NL West with the league’s best record and elite run differential; New York is buried in the NL East cellar and searching for any momentum on the road. Both sides feature elite young pitching arms in a matchup that projects as low-scoring in favorable evening conditions.

Team Records & Recent Form

Mets (7-10, 5th NL East): New York is 4-4 on the road but has dropped six straight (including a 4-0 shutout loss Monday). They are roughly 3-7 in their last 10 overall, with offense averaging just 3.6 runs per game while allowing ~5.9. Pitching has been middling outside of top starters, and the bullpen has been inconsistent in high-leverage spots.

Dodgers (12-4, 1st NL West): Los Angeles is 7-3 at home and has won 8 of its last 10. They are rolling offensively (averaging 5.9 runs/game) and rank among the league leaders in team ERA (3.40). Monday’s shutout victory continued their strong start, with timely power and lockdown pitching carrying the club.

Weather Updates

Clear and mild at Dodger Stadium: temperatures around 58–66°F (dropping into the upper 50s by late innings) with low humidity (~55-65%), light south winds 6–12 mph (minimal carry), and 0% chance of precipitation. Mostly sunny to clear skies with no weather delays expected. The setup is neutral-to-slightly pitcher-friendly for a late-April evening, supporting a standard 2.5–3 hour pace and leaning toward the Under in totals.

Injury Report

New York Mets

Clay Holmes (P): Hamstring – Day-to-day (left game Apr 10; expected return ~Apr 15).

Juan Soto (RF): Calf – 10-Day IL (return target ~Apr 21).

A.J. Minter (RP): Lat – 15-Day IL (return ~May 1).

Nate Lavender (RP): 7-Day IL.

Brandon Waddell (RP): 7-Day IL.

Mike Tauchman (RF): OUT (return ~May 15).

Mets’ bullpen and outfield depth are significantly thinned.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Mookie Betts (OF): Back – 10-Day IL.

Brock Stewart (RP): Shoulder – 15-Day IL (return ~Apr 19).

Evan Phillips (RP): Elbow – 60-Day IL.

Tommy Edman (INF): Ankle – 10-Day IL.

Brusdar Graterol (RP): Shoulder – 15-Day IL.

Blake Snell (SP): Shoulder – 15-Day IL.

Landon Knack (SP): Undisclosed – 15-Day IL.

Dodgers are missing key rotation/bullpen arms and outfield depth but remain relatively stable for tonight.

Key

Player Matchups to Watch / Probable Pitchers

Nolan McLean (NYM, RHP, 1-1, 2.70 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 20 K in 16.2 IP) vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD, RHP, 2-1, 2.50 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 14 K in 18.0 IP)

McLean (rookie) has been sharp early with strikeout stuff and low hard-contact rates. Yamamoto has completed 6+ innings in all three starts (15 scoreless innings overall) and provides elite command/length—key against a Mets lineup missing Soto.

Dodgers stars (Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, etc.) vs. McLean’s arsenal: Los Angeles can generate early pressure with power and on-base skills.

Mets contact threats vs. Yamamoto’s slider/fastball mix: New York must manufacture runs early before Yamamoto settles.

Bullpens: Both taxed recently; Dodgers’ relief edge (despite injuries) could prove decisive late. Defense and baserunning favor the hosts.

Series History

Dodgers lead the 2026 season series 1-0 after Monday’s 4-0 shutout. Historically, Los Angeles has dominated recent head-to-head play (especially at home). The current form, pitching mismatch, and home advantage tilt heavily toward the Dodgers in this early set.

Betting Trends

Dodgers are dominant as home favorites (-150 or better) and 7-3 at Dodger Stadium.

Mets are 0-6 in their current skid and vulnerable on the road.

Both starters sub-2.70 ERA early; totals trend Under in mild LA evenings with elite pitching.

Game Odds

New York Mets                 7.5

Los Angeles Dodgers      – 219

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 13, 2026