Diamondbacks vs Dodgers Predictions, Picks, Odds: Expect Another Low-Scoring Contest in L.A.

The total may seem low on Saturday night, but it’s warranted.

After a commanding 8-2 win on Opening Day, the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a crushing 2-1 defeat at home to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. They’ll look to secure at least a series split on Saturday when they send their ace to the hill against a familiar face.

Without further ado, let’s break it all down in our free MLB picks and predictions for Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers on April 1.

Diamondbacks vs Dodgers odds

Diamondbacks vs Dodgers predictions

The Dodgers’ new-look offense was able to break through against the talented Zac Gallen on Thursday night, but Friday was a much different story. The Diamondbacks limited L.A. to just a run on five hits over 7 2/3 innings before Arizona’s bullpen held up their end of the bargain.

So, we’ve seen this team hit and we’ve seen this team struggle at the plate. While James Outman looked good in his L.A. debut, he took a step back in Game 2. Miguel Vargas is still cruising, but that’s about all we can really draw from the first two games.

It’s been a very mixed bag, which is why I’m not in love with the offense on Saturday night. There’s that and the fact that the Dodgers have never hit lefties well.

While Los Angeles is a bit differently constructed this season, it still really doesn’t set up all that well against a southpaw. David Peralta should draw another start (to give us yet another left-handed bat in the order), and there are some pretty unassuming bats coming at you from the right side in Miguel Rojas and Trayce Thompson.

Because of this, I’m going to side with the total here and take the Under. Arizona’s offense has yet to get going through two games and I expect it to struggle all season long. Things shouldn’t get much better tonight when the D-backs face future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw.

My best bet: Under 7.5 (-105 at DraftKings)

Diamondbacks vs Dodgers moneyline analysis

I think this line is pretty accurate, though I’d caution baseball fans that the Dodgers’ offense may experience some growing pains this season.

I do think L.A. is going to get to Madison Bumgarner eventually, but I’d like to point out he gave up nine runs in 17 innings last season against the Dodgers, which is actually a fairly solid number.

Bumgarner allowed just one run over six innings in his last start of the season against L.A., and the former World Series MVP always gets up for these games. 

Diamondbacks vs Dodgers Over/Under analysis

I’m going to use this as an excuse to talk a little more about Kershaw and what he will do to help this game stay Under the total.

The southpaw had arguably one of the best seasons of his career in 2022. While Kershaw spent some time on the shelf due to injury, he still managed to pitch in 22 games and register a microscopic 2.28 ERA with both a low hard-hit and barrel rate.

Ultimately, I think this line both respects Kershaw and reflects some market speculation over the Dodgers’ offense.

Diamondbacks vs Dodgers game info

Diamondbacks vs Dodgers betting preview

Starting pitchers

Madison Bumgarner (0-0 0.00 ERA): Last year wasn’t a great one for Bumgarner, as he posted a 4.88 ERA. Despite the bleak numbers, MadBum began 2022 in exceptional fashion, boasting a 2.76 ERA over his first nine starts.

Clayton Kershaw (0-0, 0.00 ERA): The lefty is now 35 but doesn’t appear to be slowing down if his 2.28 ERA in 2022 was any indication. Kershaw has dealt with plenty of injuries over the last few years, but when healthy, he remains among the league's best.

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The Under is 4-0 in Madison Bumgarner’s last four road starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers

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