Ray Returns as Giants Look to Cool Off Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to continue their dominance over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday (10:10 p.m. ET) at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles has already taken the first two games of this four-game set from its National League West rivals and is 8-3 against them this baseball season.

Tyler Glasnow draws the start for Los Angeles against Robbie Ray, who is making his return from Tommy John surgery.

• Los Angeles is -1.5 (+114) on the run line and -185 favorites on the moneyline, with San Francisco +1.5 (-135) and +154.
• Meanwhile, the projected total is 7.5 with a slight edge to the Over at -118 odds.

What can bettors expect? Read on as we break down both clubs and give our Giants vs Dodgers expert pick.

Giants vs Dodgers Betting Trends’

The San Francisco Giants are 48-54 against the run line, including 27-25 on the road. San Francisco has been far more profitable for Over/Under bettors, going 53-46-3. That includes covering in 55.7% of their road MLB games.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, meanwhile, are 50-52 against the run line, including 24-28 at home. As for the Over/Under, Los Angeles is 51-50-1, including a 55.7% cover rate at home.

It’s important to remember these betting trends when analyzing our Giants vs Dodgers expert pick.

Pitching Probables

• Robbie Ray (0-1, 8.10 ERA in 2023) vs Tyler Glasnow (8-5, 3.47 ERA)

Ray will be making his first start since March 31, 2023, after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The former Cy Young winner completed his 10th rehab appearance Friday, pitching 5.1 scoreless innings for Triple-A Sacramento. Ray threw 78 pitches, though he may face some workload limitations out of the gate.

Glasnow is also coming off the MLB injured list, having last pitched July 5 because of lower back tightness. The All-Star didn’t go on a minor league rehab assignment, but he should be able to provide length for a rotation desperately in need of stability.

Glasnow has performed like one of baseball’s best starters when healthy, going 8-5 with a 3.47 ERA. He also has 143 strikeouts, fifth-most in the majors.

Be sure to keep that in mind when assessing our Giants vs Dodgers expert pick.

Giants Keep Slipping

Tuesday was more of the same for the Giants, who dropped their second straight to the Dodgers, 5-2, and fell to 1-4 since the All-Star break.

The Giants are now 48-54, 13.0 games out of first place in the National League West and 5.0 games behind New York for the third and final wild card spot. In just the last few days their MLB playoff odds have slipped from +400 to +600, as skepticism about their outlook grows.

Less than a week before the July 30 trade deadline, the Giants look destined to be sellers. That could mean shipping out big-name veterans such as closer Camillo Doval, who’d likely net a big return despite his recent struggles.

The Giants have been outscored by 35 runs per MLB scores, matching the third-worst run differential in the NL ahead of only Miami (-148) and Colorado (-170). Most of their struggles have come on the road, where they are just 20-32.

Their recent offensive struggles are glaring, as the Giants are averaging only 2.6 runs per game in the second half. Altogether, they’re just 16th in runs scored (440) and tied for 23rd in homers (101), which is disappointing considering the resources they committed to improving their lineup.

Dodgers Still Soaring

The Dodgers are undefeated since the All-Star break, winners of five straight to improve to 61-41. They own the second-best win percentage in the NL (.598) and remain favored to win not only the NL pennant (+165) but also the World Series (+330).

They’re certainly still not a finished product, as their rotation’s been battered by injuries. However, even with Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw set to return from the IL, the Dodgers will reportedly seek upgrades at the trade deadline. They’ve been connected to several names through MLB predictions, including White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet.

Offensively, the Dodgers have far fewer concerns. They’re averaging an MLB-best 5.0 runs per game and lead the NL in home runs, with 139.

They went deep six times in Sunday’s 9-6 win over Boston, with Shohei Ohtani slugging his league-leading 30th homer. Ohtani also has 73 RBI to go with a 1.032 OPS and has seen his MVP odds soar to -400 in the absence of shortstop Mookie Betts. Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (+450) is now the next-closest candidate.

Betts, who hasn’t played since June 16 because of a fractured hand, is hitting .304 with 10 homers and an .892 OPS. It’s possible he rejoins the lineup in early August, though the Dodgers have yet to set a specific return date.

For the best MLB bets, odds analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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