The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a strong start to the season as they look to continue their momentum while taking on the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Game 2 of a three-game series.
After taking the opener, the MLB odds have the Dodgers as a road favorite thanks in part to Dave Roberts’ loaded lineup of big swinging bats.
Find out where my best bets lie in our MLB picks and Dodgers vs. Twins predictions on Tuesday, April 9.
Dodgers vs Twins prediction
My best bet
Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 total bases (-115 at bet365)
Best odds available in your region
My analysis
Los Angeles Dodgers majority owner Mark Walter flexed his financial muscles this offseason and spared no dollars to sign two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million deal.
Ohtani is coming off the best batting season of his career for the Los Angeles Angels with 44 homers, 95 RBIs, and a slash line of .304/.412/.654, and he’s already showing the Dodger faithful he’s capable of replicating his jaw-dropping numbers.
As he gets set to take on the Minnesota Twins, he has a favorable matchup against starting pitcher Louie Varland. The 26-year-old Varland is coming off an up-and-down season last year in which he appeared in 17 games with 10 starts while giving up 16 home runs in 68 innings.
Unfortunately for the Minnesota native, it doesn’t appear things are getting any easier this season. In his first start of the year, he lasted just four innings, allowing three runs on six hits while walking a pair.
Now he’s taking on a Dodgers lineup full of All-Star talent led by Ohtani — who had three hits, a home run, and a double in Game 1 of the series against the Twins. To make matters tougher on Varland, his go-to pitches are some of Ohtani’s favorites to slam into play.
The righty has three main pitches in his arsenal with his four-seamer leading the way (he’s using it 41.6% of the time), followed by his cutter (29.2%) and curveball (16.9%). The Brewers absolutely hammered his four-seamer in his first outing and Ohtani can continue that trend.
The three-time All-Star hammered four-seamers last year to the tune of a .402 batting average and .818 slugging percentage — he managed 23 home runs, 13 doubles, and three triples off fastballs in 2023.
Even if Varland wants to stay away from his fastball, Ohtani isn’t going to shy away from the cutter or curve. He batted .366 with a .854 slugging percentage against cutters last season and had a .676 slugging percentage against benders. It could be a short night for Varland with Ohtani at the plate.
Dodgers vs Twins same-game parlay
Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 total bases
Mookie Betts Over 0.5 hits
Tyler Glasnow Over 7.5 strikeouts
Along with Ohtani, Mookie Betts is off to a hot start with a 1.300 OPS and he’s recorded at least one hit in 10 of 13 games this season. He also hits Varland’s top pitches well with a .304 batting average or better last season against four-seamers, cutters, and curves.
On the other side of this pitching matchup, Tyler Glasnow is making his fourth start for the Dodgers and he’s been dynamite so far with 15 strikeouts in 17 innings. That pace shouldn’t slow down against the Twins, who have the worst team batting average in MLB this season (.181).
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Dodgers vs Twins odds
Dodgers vs Twins live odds
Dodgers vs Twins opening odds
- Run line: Los Angeles -1.5 (-105) | Minnesota +1.5 (+115)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -170 | Minnesota +145
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (+115)
Dodgers vs Twins spread and Over/Under analysis
- After taking Game 1, the Dodgers opened as a -169 to -175 moneyline favorite at most sportsbooks. The line has shifted further in LA’s direction with the Boys in Blue as much as a -185 favorite.
- LA is among the best teams in the league this season at 9-4 while the Twins have struggled out of the gate at 3-5.
- The Over/Under opened at 8.5 and hasn’t seen any movement as of yet.
- The Dodgers have been one of the better Over teams so far this season at 8-4-1, but Minnesota is the second-best Under team at 6-2.
Dodgers vs Twins trend
The Los Angeles Dodgers have hit the Game Total Over in 49 of their last 79 away games (+19.50 Units / 23% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Twins
Dodgers vs Twins game info
| Location: | Target Field, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date: | Tuesday, 4-9-2024 |
| First pitch: | 7:40 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SNLA, BSNO |
| Dodgers starting pitcher: | Tyler Glasnow (2-0, 3.18 ERA) |
| Twins starting pitcher: | Louie Varland (0-1, 6.75 ERA) |
Dodgers vs Twins latest injuries
Dodgers vs Twins weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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