Dodgers vs. Pirates: Game 2, prediction, odds, injuries and picks

The LA Dodgers (16-10) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-16) will run it back on Saturday after the latter took the series opener at Dodger Stadium. It was a pitching duel between Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Pirates' Paul Skenes. Ultimately, it went 3-0 in favor of the Pirates.

For Game 2, the Dodgers will send their rookie and Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki to the mound. Meanwhile, the Pirates will have pitcher Mitch Keller to start the proceedings.

Dodgers vs. Pirates Game 2: Betting odds

Moneyline: Dodgers -270, Pirates +220

Over/Under: 8.5 runs

Run Line: Dodgers -1.5 (-125)

Dodgers vs. Pirates Game 2: Injuries

Dodgers

Tony Gonsolin (SP) – Tommy John surgery, 15-Day IL
Michael Kopech (RP) – Forearm inflammation, 15-Day IL
Blake Snell (SP) – Shoulder inflammation, 15-Day IL
Blake Treinen (RP) – Forearm tightness, 15-Day IL
Emmet Sheehan (SP) – Tommy John surgery, 60-Day IL
Kyle Hurt (SP) – Tommy John surgery, 60-Day IL
River Ryan (SP) – Tommy John surgery, 60-Day IL
Gavin Stone (SP) – Shoulder surgery, 60-Day IL
Clayton Kershaw (SP) – Toe/Knee surgeries, 60-Day IL
Brusdar Graterol (RP) – Shoulder labrum surgery, 60-Day IL
Michael Grove (RP) – Shoulder surgery, 60-Day IL
Edgardo Henriquez (RP) – Foot discomfort, 60-Day IL

Pirates

Spencer Horwitz (1B) – Thumb surgery, 10-Day IL
Nick Gonzales (2B) – Fractured ankle (non-displaced), 10-Day IL
Endy Rodríguez (C/1B) – Finger laceration (right index), 10-Day IL
Colin Holderman (RP) – Sprained knee, 15-Day IL
Justin Lawrence (RP) – Elbow inflammation, 15-Day IL
Johan Oviedo (SP) – Tommy John surgery, 60-Day IL
Dauri Moreta (SP) – Tommy John surgery, 60-Day IL
Jared Jones (SP) – Elbow discomfort, 60-Day IL
Tim Mayza (RP) – Strained lat, 60-Day IL

Expected Lineups

Dodgers

DH Shohei Ohtani (L)
SS Mookie Betts (R)
1B Freddie Freeman (L)
RF Teoscar Hernández (R)
LF Michael Conforto (L)
C Will Smith (R)
3B Max Muncy (L)
2B Tommy Edman (S)
CF Andy Pages (R)

Pirates

CF Oneil Cruz (L)
RF Bryan Reynolds (S)
DH Andrew McCutchen (R)
C Joey Bart (R)
1B Edward Olivares Valdez (L)
3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (R)
LF Tommy Pham (R)
2B Adam Frazier (L)
SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R)

Dodgers vs Pirates: Prediction & Pick

The Dodgers are the heavy favorites for good reason. Roki Sasaki has the tools to dominate a strikeout-prone Pirates lineup, and LA’s offense, even against Mitch Keller’s best, is difficult to keep quiet for long.

If Sasaki can go five strong innings, the Dodgers’ bullpen should hold the line.

Final Score Prediction: Dodgers 6, Pirates 3

Picks

Pick: Dodgers -1.5

O/U Pick: Over 8.5

Prop to Watch: Shohei Ohtani to hit a home run (+300)

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Dipayan Moitra