by Rod Pearson
Thursday, Aug 17, 2023
Game Time: 10:10 pm ET, Friday, August 18, 2023
Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Where to Watch: Sportsnet LA
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Moneyline odds: Marlins +120, Dodgers -142; Over/Under: 8.5 runs
Bet365: Moneyline odds: Marlins +125, Dodgers -145; Over/Under: 8.5 runs
BetMGM: Moneyline odds: Marlins +125, Dodgers -150; Over/Under: 8.5 runs
Season Record
Miami Marlins: 63-59 (3rd place, NL East)
Los Angeles Dodgers: 73-46 (1st place, NL West)
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Recent Form
Miami Marlins: 5-5 last 10
Los Angeles Dodgers: 10-0 last 10
Miami Marlins vs Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Analysis
The Marlins are entering this series on a 2 game losing streak and lost their 3-game series against the Houston Astros 2-1 in their last series. They enter this game with a 63-59 record overall and have a road record of 26-32. This is the series opener of a 3-game series with the LA Dodgers on Friday and they have Thursday off as a day of rest. Their offense ranks 19th in the MLB with a .719 OPS. Jesús Luzardo was their starting pitcher on Wednesday while Sandy Alcantara is making his start in this game on Friday. He is 5-10 with a 4.09 ERA this season. His team lost 2 of their last 3 games this season with him making an appearance. In his last MLB regular season start, he allowed 1 ER, 0 HR, and 2 BB with 10 Ks on 5 hits through 9 IP against the New York Yankees.
The Dodgers entered their last series on an 8 game winning streak and completed the sweep 4-0 in their 4-game series against the Colorado Rockies. They enter this game with a 73-46 record overall and have a home record of 40-20. This is the 1st game of a 3-game series with the Marlins on Friday with the series finale of their series against the Milwaukee Brewers still to be played on Thursday. They also won the series opener and the 2nd game of that series on Tuesday and Wednesday. Their offense ranks 3rd in the MLB with a .795 OPS. Lance Lynn is their starting pitcher on Thursday while Tony Gonsolin is making his start in this game on Friday. He is 8-4 with a 4.24 ERA this season. His team won their last 3 straight games this season with him making an appearance. In his last MLB regular season start, he allowed 1 earned run, 1 homer, and 0 BB with 6 strikeouts on 3 hits through 6 innings played against the Colorado Rockies.
Marlins vs Dodgers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Dodgers listed as a favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Dodgers have been rolling in their games lately with one of the best offenses in the entire MLB and they also have one of the best records now as they lead the NL West and are just pulling away with it too. The Marlins have been really up and down lately as they are staying in the playoff race but haven't been at their best lately as they have slipped down the standings. They do have a really good pitching staff but it will be tough for them to keep one of the best offenses in the MLB off the board here. The Dodgers have also been pitching a lot better themselves as they have been getting healthier and they will have Gonsolin on the mound here who hasn't been giving up many runs in his starts lately. Meanwhile, Alcantara is up for the Marlins and he has been really up and down this season as he had that great season last year and has shown flashes from it at times this season, but a lot of his starts have also seen him give up a ton of runs and he will be at risk of getting blown up here with the way the Dodgers have been putting up runs in their games lately. The best way to place a bet here is on the Dodgers to win this game.
Marlins Dodgers Prediction: Our MLB Pick for Friday, August 18, 2023 (10:10 pm ET start time) is Dodgers 7 Marlins 3.
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MLB Betting Trends
Miami Marlins: 10-12 (-4.2 units) on the moneyline against NL West opponents. 13-17 (-5.3 units) on the moneyline after 2 or more consecutive losses. 29-17 UNDER when the total is 8.5 to 10. 16-6 UNDER against NL West opponents.
Los Angeles Dodgers: 40-18 (+9.1 units) on the moneyline as a home favorite of -110 or higher. 53-28 (+14.6 units) on the moneyline against right-handed starters. TONY GONSOLIN is 15-7 UNDER when the money line is -100 to -150 and 9-2 UNDER against NL East opponents.
Key Injuries
Miami Marlins: H. Brazoban (SP) Out indefinitely - Hamstring. T. Rogers (SP) Late Aug - Bicep. A. Nardi (SP) Late Aug - Tricep. J. Chargois (RP) Out indefinitely - Ribs. T. Nance (RP) Late Aug - Shoulder. M. Barnes (RP) out for season - Hip. J. Davis (CF) Mid Sept - Knee. A. Bender (RP) out for season - Elbow. M. Meyer (SP) out for season - Elbow.
Los Angeles Dodgers: J. Marisnick (CF) Mid Sept - Hamstring. J. Kelly (RP) Out indefinitely - Elbow. Y. Almonte (RP) Out indefinitely - Knee. T. Cyr (RP) Late Aug - Shoulder. M. Grove (SP) Out indefinitely - Back. S. Miller (RP) Late Aug - Neck. D. Hudson (RP) Early Sept - Knee. J. Deluca (LF) Out indefinitely - Hamstring. D. May (SP) out for season - Elbow. A. Reyes (SP) out for season - Shoulder. J. Feyereisen (RP) Out indefinitely - Shoulder. W. Buehler (SP) Early Sept - Elbow. G. Lux (2B) out for season - Knee. B. Treinen (RP) Early Sept - Shoulder.
Notable Quotes
“For us to fight back was great to see. The momentum was on our side, but then we had four walks that (seventh) inning and a lot of them scored. That was a frustrating ending.” - Skip Schumaker after his team’s loss against the Astros in their game on Wednesday.
“I didn't know J.D. was a guy who can draw that. I guess Contreras didn't get the memo that he might have a longer backswing there, so we'll take it.” - Dave Roberts after his team’s win against the Brewers in their game on Wednesday.
Starting Lineups
Miami Marlins
Jorge Soler (R) DH
Luis Arraez (L) 2B
Josh Bell (S) 1B
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L) CF
Jake Burger (R) 3B
Bryan De La Cruz (R) LF
Jesus Sanchez (L) RF
Nick Fortes (R) C
Jon Berti (R) SS
Los Angeles Dodgers
Mookie Betts (R) RF
Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
Will Smith (R) C
J.D. Martinez (R) DH
Amed Rosario (R) 2B
Max Muncy (L) 3B
Enrique Hernandez (R) CF
Chris Taylor (R) LF
Miguel Rojas (R) SS
Statistical Leaders
Miami Marlins
Batting Average: Xavier Edwards (.381)
Hits: Luis Arraez (164)
Home Runs: Jorge Soler (30)
RBI: Jorge Soler (65)
Stolen Bases: Jazz Chisholm (16)
Wins: Jesus Luzardo (8)
Saves: A.J. Puk (15)
ERA: Robert Garcia (0.00)
Los Angeles Dodgers
Batting Average: Jake Marisnick (.400)
Hits: Freddie Freeman (160)
Home Runs: Mookie Betts (31)
RBI: Freddie Freeman (83)
Stolen Bases: Freddie Freeman (16)
Wins: Clayton Kershaw (11)
Saves: Evan Phillips (17)
ERA: Tyler Cyr (0.00)
Managers:
Miami Marlins: Skip Schumaker (1st season)
Los Angeles Dodgers: Dave Roberts (8th season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
