MLB Game Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers (31-20) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (30-18)

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Milwaukee Brewers logo

First Pitch: 6:10 PM CT / 4:10 PM PT

Broadcast: Bally Sports Wisconsin, SportsNet LA, MLB.TV

This is one of the premier pitching matchups of the entire weekend: Rōki Sasaki, the Dodgers’ electric ace, against Robert Gasser, Milwaukee’s rising left-handed workhorse. Both teams enter as division contenders, and this matchup has the feel of a postseason preview.

Venue & Weather

American Family Field features a retractable roof, meaning weather rarely impacts gameplay. Still, Milwaukee’s outdoor conditions influence roof decisions.

Milwaukee Weather Forecast:

  • Temperature: 72–75°F
  • Wind: 8–12 mph out to right field
  • Humidity: 55–60%
  • Rain Chance: 20% (roof likely closed)

Impact:

  • Roof closed: Neutral-to-slightly pitcher-friendly
  • Roof open: Boost for left-handed power (Yelich, Tellez-type hitters)

Injury Report

Los Angeles Dodgers

  • Mookie Betts — Active
  • Freddie Freeman — Active
  • Max Muncy — OUT (oblique)
  • Walker Buehler — OUT (elbow)
  • Evan Phillips — Day-to-day (forearm tightness)

Milwaukee Brewers

  • Christian Yelich — Day-to-day (back)
  • William Contreras — Active
  • Jackson Chourio — Active
  • DL Hall — OUT (shoulder)
  • Trevor Megill — Active

Team Records & Recent Form

Los Angeles Dodgers (31–20)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend: Pitching stabilizing, offense inconsistent
  • Strength: Elite rotation, top-tier OBP
  • Weakness: Middle-order depth without Muncy

Milwaukee Brewers (30–18)

  • Last 10: 7–3
  • Trend: One of MLB’s hottest teams
  • Strength: Balanced lineup, strong bullpen
  • Weakness: Occasional strikeout issues vs elite velocity

Probable Pitching Matchup

Los Angeles — RHP Rōki Sasaki (5–2, 2.41 ERA)

  • Profile:
    • Triple-digit fastball (100–102 mph)
    • Devastating splitter (arguably MLB’s best)
    • Generates elite strikeout rates
  • Splits:
    • Vs RHB: .178 AVG
    • Vs LHB: .212 AVG
    • Road ERA: 2.65
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Brewers’ lefties (Yelich, Frelick) must avoid chasing the splitter
    • Sasaki’s velocity plays extremely well indoors

Milwaukee — LHP Robert Gasser (4–2, 3.58 ERA)

  • Profile:
    • Low-90s fastball, elite command
    • Sweeping slider, effective changeup
    • Keeps the ball on the ground
  • Splits:
    • Vs RHB: .244 AVG
    • Vs LHB: .218 AVG
    • Home ERA: 3.21
  • Matchup Notes:
    • Dodgers’ right-handed bats (Betts, Smith, Hernández) match up well
    • Gasser must avoid long ABs; Dodgers lead MLB in pitches per plate appearance

Key Player Matchups

1. Mookie Betts (LAD) vs. Robert Gasser

  • Betts crushes lefties and handles command pitchers
  • Gasser must keep the ball low and away Advantage: Dodgers

2. William Contreras (MIL) vs. Rōki Sasaki

  • Contreras is Milwaukee’s most consistent hitter
  • Sasaki’s splitter is a nightmare for aggressive hitters Advantage: Dodgers

3. Freddie Freeman (LAD) vs. Gasser

  • Freeman’s opposite-field approach works well in Milwaukee
  • Gasser’s slider must stay off the plate Advantage: Even

4. Christian Yelich (MIL) vs. Sasaki (if active)

  • Yelich’s patience helps vs Sasaki’s velocity
  • But the splitter neutralizes left-handed lift Advantage: Dodgers

Series History

  • 2025 Season: Dodgers won 4–3
  • 2026 Season: Dodgers lead 1–0 (Friday’s game)
  • At American Family Field (last 12): Dodgers lead 8–4
  • Trend: LA has consistently handled Milwaukee’s pitching

Betting Trends

Los Angeles Dodgers

  • Under is 7–3 in last 10
  • Dodgers are 9–4 in last 13 vs Milwaukee
  • Sasaki starts: Under is 6–2

Milwaukee Brewers

  • Brewers are 6–1 in last 7 home games
  • Over is 5–2 in last 7 Brewers games
  • Gasser starts: Brewers are 5–3

Game Odds

Los Angeles Dodgers      – 135

Milwaukee Brewers       7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 22, 2026