A day after clinching their fifth consecutive NL West title, the Los Angeles Dodgers (74%) return home to face the rival San Francisco Giants tonight.
My Giants vs. Dodgers predictions don't see the Boys in Blue resting on their laurels, however, as they have a big edge over the visitors.
Read on for my full MLB picks for Friday, Sept. 18.
Who will win Giants vs Dodgers today: Dodgers -1.5
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
I'd play the Los Angeles Dodgers up to 60% on the run line as they have a substantial advantage everywhere in this contest.
Cesar Perdomo was bombed for five runs on 10 hits and two walks against the Padres last time out, and the 24-year-old is in for more trouble against L.A.'s potent lineup (.345 wOBA this month).
Tyler Glasnow gives L.A. a substantial starting pitching advantage. His 4.91 ERA since rejoining the rotation in April is misleading, as his 2.37 FIP and 21.5% K-BB% are strong indicators that immediate improvement is in store against the San Francisco Giants.
The Dodgers have won seven consecutive home games and have covered the run line in four of those contests, so I'm backing them to stay hot on Friday.
COVERS INTEL: Cesar Perdomo's 86 Stuff+ isn't going to cut it at the big-league level. Out of 357 pitchers who have started a game, Perdomo ranks 340th in that metric.
Giants vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 8.5
If Perdomo is throwing meatballs like he was against the Padres, the Dodgers should hang a crooked number here at home. The bullpen behind him has been a train wreck this month, posting the second-worst SIERA (5.09), so the damage won't stop when Perdomo exits.
Speaking of untrustworthy bullpens, L.A.'s hasn't looked playoff-ready for much of the season. The Boys in Blue have a 4.68 ERA out of the pen this month.
Glasnow hasn't lasted past the fifth inning in two of his four starts since returning from the IL, so handicapping improvements upon his recent ERA only goes so far. The Giants have been surprisingly effective at the plate in September with a 110 wRC+, so they can contribute to this total despite being the likely loser.
Giants vs Dodgers home run prediction: Teoscar Hernandez
I love this matchup for Teoscar Hernandez for several reasons.
The veteran outfielder has a 152 wRC+ against lefties, which is a substantial improvement upon his 90 wRC+ against righties. He also performs better at Dodger Stadium with a 115 wRC+ compared to 103 on the road.
Most importantly, arguably, Hernandez is a known destroyer of changeups (161 wRC+). Perdomo throws his changeup 29.8% of the time despite it having a grotesque 76 Stuff+.
- ML/RL picks: 31-35, -8.65 units
- Over/Under picks: 40-27, +11 units
Giants vs Dodgers weather
There's a slight breeze (4-7 mph) blowing out to right-center. Slight boost to the hitters.
Giants vs Dodgers odds
- Moneyline: Giants 27% | Dodgers 74%
- Run line: Giants +1.5 (45%) | Dodgers -1.5 (56%)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (47%) | Under 8.5 (54%)
Giants vs Dodgers trend
The Dodgers are 4-2 against the run line in their last six home games. Find more MLB betting trends for Giants vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Giants vs Dodgers and game info
| Location | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 |
| First pitch | 10:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | Apple TV |
| Giants starting pitcher | Cesar Perdomo (0-1, 3.68 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Tyler Glasnow (4-1, 3.50 ERA) |
Giants vs Dodgers latest injuries
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