You’ve heard it 100 times by now, but once again, Shohei Ohtani is the only player in MLB history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.
It’s an incredible feat, and if people couldn’t get enough of the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar before, imagine what it'll be like for the rest of the season. Hell, why do you think I’m writing a Rockies vs. Dodgers predictions piece?
But you’re here, so let’s get into some MLB picks, including a juicy player prop showcasing the dominance of Mr. Ohtani himself.
Rockies vs Dodgers prediction
My best bet
Over 8.5 (-120 at BetMGM)
My analysis
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter this game against the Colorado Rockies with Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting 50-50 season already complete and a postseason spot already clinched. But that doesn’t mean the Dodgers have nothing to play for.
They lead the San Diego Padres by just four games in the National League West and are neck-and-neck with the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in the NL. So, don’t expect them just to roll over and die.
Tonight, L.A. will dig in against Rockies right-hander Cal Quantrill, and it’s been a tough second half for the 29-year-old.
Quantrill sports a 6.16 ERA while surrendering a .293 batting average and a .936 OPS over eight starts since the All-Star break. That’s not great going against a Dodgers team ranked fourth in OPS and third in wRC+ vs. RHP this season.
Navigating this L.A. lineup is difficult for anyone, and Quantrill is no different. The Dodgers have faced him twice already this season, tagging him for seven runs on 16 hits and five walks over 9 1/3 innings of work. So, look for Los Angeles to have another productive night at the plate.
But it might not be the only one.
The Dodgers counter Quantrill with Walker Buehler, who's been hampered by injuries all season. The RHP was coming off a Tommy John surgery, which cost him all of 2023, and then a hip injury landed him on the IL for about two months this season.
It’s not shocking to see Buehler has struggled. He's pitching to a 5.01 expected ERA and surrendering a .272 expected batting average — both rank in the Bottom 11% of the league.
Additionally, Colorado has also hammered Buehler. The Rockies have knocked him around for 11 runs on 13 hits over 10 innings pitched during two starts this season.
This total just looks a little too low for this pitching matchup.
Shohei Ohtani pick: Sho time
My best bet
4+ hits, runs and RBI (+165 at bet365)
My analysis
I still sit up at night thinking about Shohei Ohtani’s stat line from Thursday’s game against the Miami Marlins.
Six-for-six with three home runs, 10 RBI, four runs scored, two stolen bases, and a mind-boggling 17 total bases. Suffice it to say, the betting value has been zapped from Ohtani’s prop bets. So, let’s get a little exotic by taking Ohtani to get 4+ hits, runs, and RBI.
Obviously, Ohtani is locked in right now. The soon-to-be three-time MVP is hitting .343 with a 1.182 OPS, eight home runs, and 24 RBI over his last 17 games. He hit this mark of 4+ hits, runs, and RBIs nine times over that 17-game stretch.
And now he gets a good matchup against Quantrill. Ohtani is 4-for-12 (.333) with two doubles in his career vs. Quantrill and is now hitting .309 with a 1.112 OPS when facing right-handed pitching this season.
Shohei should keep smashing baseballs, and I like the plus money we're getting with this bet.
Rockies vs Dodgers same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 8.5
Shohei Ohtani 4+ hits+runs+RBI
Ezequiel Tovar Over 1.5 total bases
Let’s give the Rockies a little love in this same-game parlay which already features the Over 8.5 and our fun Ohtani prop bet. As I said, I expect Colorado to contribute to this game going Over the total, and my favourite candidate to back is Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar.
The 23-year-old has developed well in just his second big-league season. He enters this game hitting.266 with a .759 OPS, and while Tovar hit a bit of a slump to start September, he looks like he is busting out of it.
The SS is currently in the middle of a four-game hitting streak where he has a .353 average and a 1.059 OPS, including two HRs.
He's also one of those Colorado players who's jumped all over Buehler. Tovar is 4-for-6 with a double and a dinger in his career vs. the Dodgers starter. That’s good for a .438 xBA and a 1.136 xSLG.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Rockies vs Dodgers odds
Rockies vs Dodgers live odds
Rockies vs Dodgers opening odds
- Moneyline: Colorado +220 | Los Angeles -270
- Run line: Colorado +1.5 +105 | Los Angeles -1.5 -125
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-110) | Under 8.5 (-110)
Rockies vs Dodgers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Dodgers opened this NL West matchup as massive -270 home favorites, but that hasn't stopped bettors from backing the home team, with L.A. now in the -280 range.
- I get it, the Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani are hot, but there's a point when a line goes a little too far. I think there is a little value on the Rockies at this price, considering how much Walker Buehler has struggled, which includes vs. Colorado.
- The total hit the board at 8.5, and bettors have started to hit the Over, with nines popping up on the odds board as of early Saturday afternoon.
- I'm on the Over here, so go out and get an 8.5 while there are still a few available.
Rockies vs Dodgers trend
The Dodgers have hit the game total Over in 46 of their last 72 games for +20.90 Units and a 27% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Rockies vs. Dodgers.
Rockies vs Dodgers game info
| Location: | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, 9-21-2024 |
| First pitch: | 9:10 p.m. ET |
| TV: | COLR, SNLA |
| Rockies starting pitcher: | Cal Quantrill (8-10, 4.68 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher: | Walker Buehler (1-5, 5.54 ERA) |
Rockies vs Dodgers latest injuries
Rockies vs Dodgers weather
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