Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The Los Angeles Dodgers won their second World Series in the last five years when getting the better of the New York Yankees 4-1 in the 2024 Fall Classic.

They have already begun their title defence with a two-game series in Japan, recording a pair of wins over the Chicago Cubs, but now return to play their home curtain raiser against the Detroit Tigers.

The Tigers are fresh off their first playoff appearance since 2014 as they secured a wildcard spot and then swept the Houston Astros before losing to the Cleveland Guardians in the Division Series.

After going 34-19 in the last two months of the regular season, Detroit will be hoping to pick up where they left off and they are joint-favorites with the Minnesota Twins to win an ultra-competitive American League Central this year.

Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers betting picks and predictions

Under 6.5 runs (+100)

The Los Angeles Dodgers are heavy favorites to win the World Series this year, thanks to the moves they made in the offseason to bolster their already stacked squad.

Miguel Rojas said that he believes this team can break the single-season win record of 116 if they are lucky with injuries, which sums up the confidence surrounding the Dodgers.

Along with megastar Shohei Ohtani, they have a lineup that contains Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez.

Los Angeles also has one of the best rotations in the history of baseball after adding Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell over the winter.

The latter will take the mound for this clash against Detroit in what could become a real pitchers duel. Snell’s opposite number will be reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who was lights out last year.

The leftie went 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA, a 2.49 FIP and struck out a league-leading 228 batters. He has looked just as good in spring training with a 2-0 record, a 2.33 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 19.1 innings.

Taking the under in a Dodgers game may seem like a foolish decision but there are not many pitchers who could keep the LA lineup quiet like Skubal, who had just five starts all season where he allowed four or more earned runs.

His opposite number Snell also matches up well against this Detroit lineup, which ranked 26th in OPS against left handers in 2024.

Despite all the glitz and glamor surrounding this Los Angeles home opener, in this battle between two lights out lefties, the under looks like the play.

Tarik Skubal over 6.5 strikeouts (+120)

Tarik Skubal was impressive last season and the signs from spring training are that he is going to be a big problem for MLB hitters again this year.

The 28-year-old had a 0.828 WHIP and 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings in five spring outings and led the league in strikeouts last season with 228.

He struck out eight in his only start against the Dodgers last year and the line of 6.5 looks low. 

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Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers odds

DET Tigers	+140 ML
LA Dodgers	-165 ML
Run Line	LAD -1.5 (+125)
Total	O/U 6.5

Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers player props

Player Home Run Odds

Shohei Ohtani	+425
Spencer Torkelson	+475
Max Muncy	+525
Teoscar Hernandez	+550
Will Smith	+550
Mookie Betts	+650

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.