Postseason implications are numerous when the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks meet tonight.
Though unlikely, the Diamondbacks enter the last week of the season with slim playoff chances. For the Dodgers, this last week brings multiple scenarios, including winning the division for the 12th time in 13 years and even (though unlikely) earning a first-round playoff bye.
With so much on the line, this figures to be an entertaining series as well as a series opener. I break it all down in my Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks predictions and MLB picks for Tuesday, September 23.
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks prediction
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks best bet: Shohei Ohtani Over 5.5 strikeouts (-105)
Had he started enough games this season to qualify, almost no starting pitcher would have a higher strikeout rate than Shohei Ohtani.
It’s been a bit quiet and understated, but he’ll enter this start with a strikeout rate of about 33%, just below his career high. With the Los Angeles Dodgers turning to Ohtani in a relatively critical spot, I expect him to deliver. At nearly even money, it’s good value with my projection sitting at 6.3 strikeouts tonight.
There are three high-strikeout candidates in the Arizona Diamondbacks lineup, but overall, it’s a moderate strikeout team. However, digging deeper into this matchup reveals the true edge. Ohtani’s slider has been particularly filthy this season, posting a 48% whiff rate.
Along with that, his curveball has an even nastier 58% whiff rate. Between the two pitches, six players in the Arizona lineup have above-average strikeout rates when facing them. I think Ohtani leans on those pitches tonight.
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks same-game parlay (SGP)
I think the Dodgers have a significant edge on the mound, which makes me take them comfortably to lead after five innings.
I’ll finish things off with Max Muncy to go deep. Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt has one of the highest barrel rates in the league, and Muncy is swinging the best bat (from a home-run perspective) on the Dodgers outside Ohtani.
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks SGP
- Shohei Ohtani Over 5.5 strikeouts
- Max Muncy to hit a home run
- Dodgers first five innings -0.5
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks odds
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -160 | Arizona +135
- Run line: Los Angeles -1.5 (+102) | Arizona +1.5 (-125)
- Over/Under: Over 9 | Under 9
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks trend
The Dodgers have covered the run line in 10 of their last 14 games for +7.55 units and a 44% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks.
How to watch Dodgers vs Diamondbacks and game info
| Location | Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ |
| Date | Tuesday, September 23, 2025 |
| First pitch | 9:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | SportsNet LA, ARID |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Shohei Ohtani (1-1, 3.29 ERA) |
| Diamondbacks starting pitcher | Brandon Pfaadt (13-8, 5.02 ERA) |
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks latest injuries
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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