The Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers face off Monday night at Dodger Stadium, opening a three-game series between two NL West rivals. The season series is currently tied 2-2, with both teams looking to gain an edge in this divisional battle.
Arizona Diamondbacks (25-22)
The Diamondbacks enter the matchup having won four of their last six games, including a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. Ketel Marte provided the lone run with a solo homer, while Merrill Kelly dominated on the mound, allowing just one hit over seven scoreless innings.
Arizona will send Brandon Pfaadt (6-3, 3.73 ERA) to the mound. Pfaadt has been solid this season, but his 5.63 expected ERA (xERA) suggests some regression could be coming. He has struggled against left-handed hitters, which could be a concern against the Dodgers’ powerful lineup.
Offensively, the Diamondbacks rank third in MLB in slugging percentage (.448), with Josh Naylor and Geraldo Perdomo leading the charge. Arizona’s ability to generate runs will be key against a Dodgers team that has been vulnerable in recent games.
Los Angeles Dodgers (29-18)
The Dodgers are looking to bounce back after being swept by the Angels over the weekend, marking their longest losing streak of the season. Despite their struggles, Los Angeles remains one of the most dangerous offensive teams in baseball, ranking first in batting average (.274) and slugging percentage (.481).
Los Angeles will start Landon Knack (2-1, 5.89 ERA), who has struggled in his recent outings. Knack allowed five earned runs in 4.2 innings against the Athletics last Tuesday. His ability to limit hard contact will be crucial against Arizona’s aggressive hitters.
Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman have been the driving forces for the Dodgers’ offense. Ohtani has a 197 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers, while Freeman boasts a 208 wRC+. If they can capitalize on Pfaadt’s struggles against lefties, the Dodgers could put up big numbers.
Key Matchups
- Brandon Pfaadt vs. Dodgers’ left-handed hitters – Pfaadt has struggled against lefties, and Ohtani and Freeman could exploit this weakness.
- Landon Knack vs. Diamondbacks’ power hitters – Arizona ranks third in slugging percentage, and Knack will need to limit extra-base hits.
- Dodgers’ bullpen vs. Diamondbacks’ late-game offense – Los Angeles’ relievers have been taxed recently, which could give Arizona an advantage in the later innings.
Game Outlook
The Dodgers have the edge in offensive firepower, but their recent struggles and Knack’s inconsistency could make this a competitive matchup. If Pfaadt can limit damage from Ohtani and Freeman, Arizona has a strong chance to steal a win on the road.
Game Odds
Arizona Diamondbacks 9.5
Los Angeles Dodgers – 148
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, May 18, 2025
