The Pittsburgh Pirates (+213) stroll into Chavez Ravine for a weekend series with the Los Angeles Dodgers (-223). Bubba Chandler duels Yoshinobu Yamamoto in a tantalizing starting pitching matchup for Friday's opener.
My Pirates vs. Dodgers predictions for August 21 think Chandler isn't getting enough respect, and will back Pittsburgh at a fair price.
Who will win Pirates vs Dodgers today: Pirates moneyline (+206)
The market is not accurately pricing in how effective Bubba Chandler has been lately. The flame-throwing youngster has allowed no more than three earned runs in any of his last six starts while turning in a 2.56 ERA and 2.39 FIP.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have also been the better-hitting team against RHP in the last 14 days (104 wRC+ to the Los Angeles Dodgers' 91 mark), so it would appear we have some value on the visitors.
Play the Pirates down to +190.
COVERS INTEL: Chandler has surrendered a 2.3% barrel rate over his last six starts. That would rank third among all starters on the season.
Pirates vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-131)
Chandler has been tremendous, and L.A. is slumping. He's not the only starting pitcher who could find success in this matchup, however.
The Dodgers have cashed the Under in four consecutive Yoshinobu Yamamoto starts. Pittsburgh ranks just 23rd in runs above average per 100 splitters seen (-0.67), so he should be able to use his patented offering with aplomb.
Both bullpens rank Top 10 in FIP over the last 14 days (L.A. 3.37, Pittsburgh 3.53) and are refreshed after Thursday's off day, so run suppression is a likely outcome of tonight's ballgame.
- ML/RL bets: 30-34, -8.7 units
- Over/Under bets: 39-26, +11.1 units
Pirates vs Dodgers weather
The mild wind blowing out to left field could be a factor, but otherwise the weather isn't of much note.
Pirates vs Dodgers odds
- Moneyline: Pirates +213 | Dodgers -223
- Run line: Pirates +1.5 (EVEN) | Dodgers -1.5 (-104)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+117) | Under 8.5 (-122)
Pirates vs Dodgers trend
The Pirates are 5-2 in Chandler's last seven starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Pirates vs Dodgers.
How to watch Pirates vs Dodgers and game info
| Location | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 |
| First pitch | 10:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | SNLA, SportsNet Pittsburgh |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Bubba Chandler (6-8, 4.23 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12-7, 2.60 ERA) |
Pirates vs Dodgers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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