Yet again, the Los Angeles Dodgers had a series with the Chicago Cubs this season (for the third time already), and tonight, they begin their series with a different NL Central team - the Pittsburgh Pirates. With all eyes on the series opener given the pitching matchup in store, we’ve got our best Pirates vs. Dodgers predictions for you.

So that fan bases in both respective locations can capitalize on the best bet from our Pirates vs. Dodgers picks, we’ve also shared a guaranteed PrizePicks Fantasy welcome bonus!

 

 

 

Pirates vs. Dodgers Predictions For MLB Today, 4/25

As mentioned, tonight is all about the pitching matchup. Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes has been a household name since bursting onto the scene last year, and LA’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been among the best on the mound so far this season.

Therefore, those two will be a major factor in making any Pirates vs. Dodgers predictions for today. Also at play is the fact that LA got to leave Wrigley Field and head back home on Wednesday night, while Pittsburgh was still playing the Angels last night. Of course, that’s still as short of a trip as possible, and no rest is much more the norm in the MLB.

We point it out as the Dodgers would love to regroup after back-to-back one-run losses and now facing a stud in Paul Skenes. Along with Yamamoto on the mound for LA, as expected, the Pirates vs. Dodgers odds are anticipating a low-scoring series opener.

 

 

 

Pittsburgh Pirates: Lack Of Support For Skenes

As many Pirates fans feared when acquiring such a stud ace - would the team have enough around him in order to thrive? So far, that has not been the case for Paul Skenes this season. When he last took the bump, the Pirates couldn't muster up a single run, and in his two losses this year, they’ve scored just a total of three runs.

It’s even more disappointing is that Skenes is able to pitch deep into games, which has helped the Pirates bullpen thrive - they have the seventh-best ERA in the league. Even with that being the case, they were the ones who let Skenes down on Opening Day by allowing three runs in the final two innings. The offense needs to look like they did against the Angels this week.

 

 

 

Los Angeles Dodgers: Shutting Down Snell…For Now

Dodgers fans are sure to have their sole focus on Yamamoto taking the mound for today, and rightfully so, but it’s not the only news in LA right now. In fact, it’s not even the only news in terms of starting pitching. Quickly - Shohei Ohtani has yet to take the mound, and even he’s slumping a bit at the moment.

However, perhaps the bigger news is regarding Blake Snell. After what was expected to be a rather short stint on the injured list, the latest word is that he has been shut down from all throwing activities. This comes after the lefty was expected to have a bullpen session while in Chicago prior to this series. 

 

 

 

How To Watch Pirates vs. Dodgers Today

Make sure that you’re able to catch an epic matchup on the mound - here’s how to watch Pirates vs. Dodgers today:

  • Where: Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California
  • When: 10:10 PM ET on 4/25
  • Watch on TV: MLB Network
  • Where to stream: Fubo, MLB.TV

 

 

 

Pirates vs. Dodgers Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

As previously noted, the Pirates vs. Dodgers odds have us set for a low-scoring affair, and you can see the latest lines below:

 

 

 

Pirates vs. Dodgers Best Bet: Paul Skenes Over 6.5 Strikeouts (Add A Paul Skenes Pick To A PrizePicks Lineup)

That’s right - we’re taking the bait. Paul Skenes strikeout props have been one of the most popular targets in all of baseball since he entered the league last season, and even with that being the case, he largely delivers.

Well, that’s until this year. Paul Skenes strikeout props have hit under in every single one of his starts this season! Despite that, we are bucking the trend and expect it to end against the Dodgers tonight. LA may not strike out a ton like the Boston Red Sox, but they aren’t incredible at avoiding them like the San Diego Padres either.

Regardless, Skenes has proven to be matchup-proof, and the under trend is largely thanks to inflated lines due to his popularity. That’s why we love this tick down from 7.5 from his earlier starts to 6.5 strikeouts now. Even if it didn’t, we saw Skenes dispatch the Dodgers multiple times last season.

As a rookie, the LSU product was thrust in front of arguably the best lineup in baseball TWICE, ringing up eight batters both times! This is the time for him to make it three starts, as Shohei Ohtani is currently 1-for-12 with five K’s over his last three games. Even better - Ohtani struck out three times in six at-bats against Paul Skenes last year!

We know this seem like the most “square” play of the day, but we still think the value is there. Therefore, the best bet from our Pirates vs. Dodgers picks is Paul Skenes over 6.5 strikeouts (target his player card at PrizePicks Fantasy).

 

 

 

Pirates vs. Dodgers Injury Report & Starting Pitchers

As with any matchup, injuries play a role, and Pirates vs. Dodgers predictions are no exception. We discussed the biggest news in LA when it comes to Blake Snell, but both Tyler Glasnow and Will Smith are now both listed as only day-to-day.

In terms of Pirates vs. Dodgers injury news in Pittsburgh, they are quite healthy, with just Spencer Horwitz and Nick Gonzales in the 10-day IL as the biggest notes. 

Given that this series opener is all about the big names on the mound, it never hurts to reiterate the Pirates vs. Dodgers starters for today:

 

 

 

How To Target Pirates vs. Dodgers At PrizePicks Fantasy & Claim Your $50 Bonus With Code ALARM

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Even if you don’t end up using the Paul Skenes player card for one of your lineups, you’ll still be able to enjoy that 10x boost no matter what! So, be sure to get started before first pitch and join PrizePicks now with our exclusive promo code ALARM!

 

 

 

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