MLB Game Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers (31-19) vs. New York Mets (30-20)

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The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets kick off a highly anticipated three-game series at Citi Field, marking their first meeting of the season. Both teams are among the top contenders in the National League, making this matchup a potential postseason preview.

Game Overview

  • Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
  • Time: 7:10 PM ET
  • Location: Citi Field, Queens, NY
  • Broadcast: Apple TV+
  • Series Status: Game 1

Team Breakdown

Los Angeles Dodgers (31-19, 2nd in NL West)

  • Last 10 Games: 5-5 record, .293 batting average, 5.14 ERA
  • Key Players:
  • Shohei Ohtani – Leads the Dodgers with 17 home runs, slugging .655.
  • Mookie Betts – Batting .267, with three home runs in his last 10 games.
  • Clayton Kershaw (SP) – Making his season debut, looking to bounce back from injury.

New York Mets (30-20, 3rd in NL East)

  • Last 10 Games: 5-5 record, .222 batting average, 2.51 ERA
  • Key Players:
  • Francisco Lindor – Leads the Mets with 10 home runs, slugging .480.
  • Brett Baty – Hitting .250, with three home runs in his last 10 games.
  • Griffin Canning (SP) – 5-1, 2.47 ERA, looking to continue his strong season.

Key Matchups & Storylines

1. Dodgers’ Power vs. Mets’ Pitching

Los Angeles ranks second in MLB with 81 home runs, averaging 1.6 per game. If Ohtani and Betts get going, the Mets’ pitching staff—ranked third in ERA (2.51)—will need to step up.

2. Kershaw’s Return

Clayton Kershaw makes his season debut after recovering from injury. How will he fare against a Mets lineup that has struggled offensively in recent games?

3. Mets’ Home Dominance

New York boasts a 17-5 home record, thriving at Citi Field. Can they use their home-field advantage to slow down the Dodgers’ offense?

4. NLCS Rematch Mentality

The Dodgers eliminated the Mets in six games in last year’s NLCS, scoring a record 46 runs in the series. Will New York use that as motivation to start strong?

Prediction & X-Factors

  • Likely Outcome: A close, competitive game with both teams looking to gain momentum.
  • X-Factors:
  • Kershaw’s performance – If he’s sharp, the Dodgers have the edge.
  • Mets’ ability to generate offense – Can Lindor and Baty step up?
  • Canning’s command – If he limits walks, New York could take control.

Game Odds

Los Angeles Dodgers      – 112

New York Mets                 8.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 22, 2025