Yoshinobu Yamamoto is stepping onto the big stage. Thursday’s showdown with the San Diego Padres marks his MLB debut. And boy, is it a big one. The Los Angeles Dodgers, his new home team, are all set for action in the Seoul Series finale. This game isn’t just any game. It’s happening at the Gocheok SkyDome in South Korea. Talk about an international affair!
Yamamoto isn’t just any player. He’s one of the offseason’s shiniest gems. The Dodgers snagged him with a jaw-dropping 12-year, $325 million contract. At 25, this righty has stats that make your eyes pop. Last season? A cool 16-6 record with a 1.21 ERA. And that was with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan.
Now, he’s up against Joe Musgrove of the Padres. The Dodgers are on a high, aiming to sweep after their Wednesday win. They kicked off the 2024 MLB season with a 5-2 victory. Can they keep the momentum? The game kicks off at 6:05 a.m. ET. Betting folks, take note. Los Angeles is the favorite, with odds at -187. San Diego’s the underdog, sitting at +156. And the over/under? It’s 8.5 runs.
Before you place any bets, though, you might want to peek at SportsLine’s projections. Their model, which simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, is on a hot streak. Last season, it was all about profit, especially with top-rated MLB picks.
Why you should back the Dodgers
Mookie Betts is on fire. Already. The season’s barely started, and he’s hitting .307 with homers flying left and right. Last season? Thirty-nine home runs. Plus, he nearly snagged the NL MVP title. Against Musgrove, he’s a titan. A 1.005 OPS in 17 at-bats. Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman aren’t far behind. Their OPS? Over 1.100 against Musgrove. The Dodgers are looking strong.
Why you should back the Padres
But don’t count out the Padres. Musgrove’s no slouch. The tail end of last season saw him with a 9-1 record. A 1.84 ERA to boot. And this spring? He’s already showing promise. Plus, the Padres have a secret weapon. Their bullpen is brimming with lefties. Perfect for tackling the Dodgers’ left-heavy lineup.
How to make Dodgers vs. Padres picks
SportsLine’s leaning towards an Over on the total runs. They’re projecting 9.1 runs combined. And they’ve got a pick for the money line too. But you’ll have to check SportsLine to see where the value lies.
So, who’s taking home the win in this international spectacle? The Dodgers with their star-studded lineup? Or the Padres with their strategic plays? Head over to SportsLine to see which side of the money line you should be on.
