MLB Game Preview: Houston Astros (53-35) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (56-33)

The Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers continue their high-profile three-game weekend series at Dodger Stadium, with both teams sitting near the top of their respective divisions. After the Astros stunned the Dodgers with an 18–1 blowout in Game 1—the worst home loss in Dodger Stadium history—Saturday’s matchup features two elite left-handers: Framber Valdez and Shohei Ohtani.

Game Details

Team Records & Recent Form

• The Dodgers had won 9 of 10 before Friday’s historic loss.
• The Astros have won 8 of their last 10 and are surging offensively.

Pitching Matchup

Los Angeles Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani (0–0, 2.25 ERA)

• 4.0 IP, 3 K, 1.13 WHIP in limited action this season
• Making his fourth start of 2025 after returning from injury
• Opponents hitting just .214 against him
• Looking for his first win as a Dodger pitcher

Houston Astros: Framber Valdez (9–4, 3.42 ERA)

• 102.1 IP, 91 K, 1.19 WHIP
• Coming off 7 IP, 1 ER vs. Rangers
• Has allowed 2 or fewer runs in 6 of his last 8 starts
• 2.89 ERA in 3 career starts vs. Dodgers

Players to Watch

Los Angeles Dodgers

• Shohei Ohtani: .284 AVG, 30 HR, 56 RBI – 3rd in MLB in home runs
• Will Smith: .324 AVG – team leader in batting average
• Mookie Betts: 10 HR, 35 RBI – 4-game hit streak
• Freddie Freeman: .292 AVG, 18 doubles – consistent middle-of-the-order bat

Houston Astros

• Jose Altuve: .262 AVG, 13 HR – went 3-for-3 with 2 HR and 5 RBI in Game 1
• Isaac Paredes: 17 HR, 47 RBI – team leader in both categories
• Jake Meyers: .304 AVG – 14 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR
• Cam Smith: .291 AVG, 7 HR – emerging rookie bat

Advanced Stats Snapshot