Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Two National League powerhouses collide on Friday night in Philadelphia as the undefeated Los Angeles Dodgers (8-0) take their early-season magic to Citizens Bank Park to face a red-hot Philadelphia Phillies (5-1) team on Apple TV+.

This is the Dodgers’ first true road game of the year, following a sweep of the Atlanta Braves capped by a dramatic Shohei Ohtani walk-off homer on his bobblehead night. They’re off to their best start since 1955 – and they’ve looked every bit like the reigning World Series champs.

But the Phillies, with their own star-studded lineup and postseason pedigree, are rolling too, fresh off a sweep of the Rockies where they allowed just one run in each game.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets the ball for the Dodgers, becoming the first pitcher in MLB to make his third start this season. He dazzled in Japan and L.A., going 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA, 14 strikeouts, and just three walks across 10 innings.

But this is his first start in Philly, a notoriously hitter-friendly park, and he did show some vulnerability in his last outing, surrendering two homers to the Tigers. That could be an issue against a Phillies lineup loaded with left-handed power, headlined by Kyle Schwarber (4 HRs, 1.165 OPS) and Bryce Harper, and featuring new addition Max Kepler.

The Phillies absolutely punish fastballs – and Yamamoto’s four-seamer is capable of being ambushed. Despite his elite stuff, this may be his biggest early test.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies betting picks and predictions

Philadelphia Phillies +1.5 (-150)

As tempting as it is to ride with the undefeated Dodgers, there’s serious value in backing the Phillies on the run line at +1.5. It's almost the same price as the Dodgers’ money line in their first true road game – against an undervalued 5-1 Phillies team. Plus, this play still leaves room for the Dodgers to eke out another win by a single run without burning the bet.

Yes, Yamamoto has electric stuff. But this is his first taste of Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies have a deep, slugging-heavy lineup that thrives against fastballs and features multiple All-Stars alongside a red-hot Edmundo Sosa (9-for-15 to start the year).

The Phillies' early pitching has been exceptional too, allowing just three total runs in their series against Colorado and posting a team ERA of 3.20.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers are without Freddie Freeman (15-day IL), and while the offense has still produced 18 home runs in eight games, their overall batting average is just .233.

Against lefties, L.A. is slashing just .198 with a .693 OPS to start the year. They’ve looked mortal against southpaws – something Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo could capitalize on in his home debut. 

Current Dodger hitters have taken 58 at bats against Luzardo, amounting to a .241 average and a .726 OPS. Luzardo has surrendered 14 hits while striking out 17 Dodgers. He has struck out Ohtani four times in seven at bats, has gotten Betts out six times in eight at bats and Will Smith out eight times in 10 at bats.

The Phillies may not be the favorites here, but they are a legitimate threat to hand the Dodgers their first loss – and even if they fall short, backing them to keep it within a run feels like the smart play.

Under 8.0 Total Runs (-110)

The total here is set at 8.0, and even with both teams boasting stacked lineups, the under is the sharper side.

For one, the Phillies have played four straight games under eight total runs, and their first three home games all finished with exactly one run allowed to the opposition. Their pitching staff has slowed games down with strong bullpen usage and consistent run prevention. Despite the power bats, they haven’t needed to win shootouts.

Then there’s Yamamoto, who’s improving with every start. His fastball can be vulnerable if left up, but his breaking stuff consists of elite wipeout pitches. While Schwarber and Harper could take advantage of a mistake, Yamamoto is unlikely to let the game get out of control – especially given how calculated the Dodgers are with pitch counts and matchups.

Luzardo needed 95 pitches to get through five innings in his last start, he still racked up 11 strikeouts with just two walks. He’s a high-whiff arm who could frustrate a Dodgers team still figuring out its approach against lefties.

Add in the fact the Dodgers are traveling across the country for their first true road game in early April Philadelphia weather (temps in the low 60s at first pitch) and a pair of bullpens that rank among the league’s most efficient in the early going, and this has all the signs of a 4-3, 3-2 kind of contest.

Fireworks are always possible with this much talent on both sides, but don’t expect a slugfest. The Under is the disciplined play here.

Tommy Edman over 0.5 RBIs (+200)

The 2024 NLCS MVP, switch-hitting, super utility man Tommy Edman has been one of the early stars for the Dodgers, and he enters this matchup with a ton of value in the prop market. He’s hitting .290 with a .980 OPS, leads the team with four home runs, and is especially effective from the right side – where he’ll face Phillies lefty Jesús Luzardo.

Against lefties, Edman is a career .284 hitter with an impressive .837 OPS. His 125 wRC+ in those situations ranks well above average, and in 619 at-bats from the right side, he’s launched 29 home runs. That’s consistent, impactful production – and in this lineup, he’s been slotted anywhere from No. 2 to No. 6, all of which put him in position to drive in runs.

Luzardo is dominant when he’s on, but he’s not invincible, and this will be his first start at Citizens Bank Park in a Phillies uniform. Despite spending four seasons in the NL East with Miami, he logged just 13 career innings at this park, surrendering five earned runs and two home runs. The pressure could result in a shaky inning or two, and Edman is the sneaky bat most likely to deliver in a clutch RBI spot.

Edman is also 2-for-5 in his career off Luzardo, with a double and a triple. He’s been locked in to start 2025, already hitting two homers in just 10 at-bats vs. lefties this year. He’s also proven he can handle tough conditions, having played five full seasons in St. Louis.

With L.A. taking the field for their first road game of the year in colder weather, Edman could be the guy who sparks the offense – and at +200, the value on him to record an RBI is just too good to pass up.

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies odds

LA Dodgers	-130 ML
PHI Phillies	+110 ML
Run Line	LA Dodgers -1.5
Total	O/U 8.0

 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies player props

Player Home Run Odds

Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers)	+320
Kyle Schwarber (PHI Phillies)	+375
Teoscar Hernandez (LA Dodgers)	+375
Mookie Betts (LA Dodgers)	+425
Max Muncy (LA Dodgers)	+425
Bryce Harper (PHI Phillies)	+475

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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.