The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are set to renew their rivalry at Citi Field beginning May 23. This weekend series carries significant weight for both teams as they jockey for position in the National League standings. With both franchises coming off deep playoff runs in 2024, including a dramatic NLCS showdown, this series is more than just a midseason checkpoint—it’s a litmus test for two clubs with championship aspirations.
Series Odds and Betting Preview
Despite their injury woes, the Dodgers are slight favorites heading into the series, primarily due to their superior run differential and offensive firepower. However, the Mets’ strong home record and recent form at Citi Field suggest that this series could be tightly contested and offer value for bettors looking for an underdog play. Oddsmakers who set MLB odds have set close lines, reflecting the parity between these two clubs and the unpredictability that injuries have injected into both rosters.
Current Status of the Teams
The Dodgers enter the series with a strong 29-19 record, leading the NL West, but their recent form has been shaky. They have dropped four straight games amid pitching and fielding struggles. Injuries have thinned their rotation, forcing the team to rely on depth arms and rookies, which has exposed some vulnerabilities, especially on the mound. Despite these setbacks, their offense remains potent, and the return of key players like Tommy Edman has helped stabilize the lineup.
The Mets, meanwhile, are right on the Dodgers’ heels with an identical 29-19 record, sitting just half a game out of first in the NL East. However, offensive inconsistency has plagued them, particularly with runners in scoring position—a trend that has persisted for over a month and has drawn scrutiny from the coaching staff. Even so, the Mets have shown resilience, bouncing back from a slow start to the season and leveraging strong home performances at Citi Field.
Injury Updates
Injuries are a significant storyline for both teams. The Dodgers’ rotation has been hit hard: Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki are all on the injured list, and the bullpen is missing key contributors like Evan Phillips and Kirby Yates. While Glasnow and Snell are progressing in their rehab, they are unlikely to return in time for this series.
The Mets have also been bitten by the injury bug, especially on the pitching side. Starters like Paul Blackburn and Frankie Montas are sidelined, and reliever A.J. Minter recently underwent surgery for a torn lat. Outfielder Jose Siri and infielder Ronny Mauricio are also returning from injuries, which have tested the Mets’ depth, particularly in the outfield and middle infield.
Players to Watch
For the Dodgers, Mookie Betts remains the catalyst at the top of the order, combining power, speed, and plate discipline. Freddie Freeman continues to be a reliable run producer, and the recent return of Tommy Edman adds versatility and contact hitting to the lineup. Shohei Ohtani, fresh off his first World Series appearance last fall, is always a threat, whether at the plate or, soon, back on the mound.
The Mets will look to Pete Alonso, their home run leader, to provide the big swings, while Francisco Lindor anchors both the offense and the infield defense. Lindor’s ability to deliver in clutch moments was on full display during last year’s postseason run, and his leadership will be crucial as the Mets try to reverse their struggles with runners in scoring position.
Recent and Historical Matchups
Last season, the Dodgers and Mets faced off in the National League Championship Series, with the Dodgers prevailing in six games to advance to the World Series. The series was marked by offensive fireworks from Los Angeles, who outscored the Mets 40-26 and clinched the pennant with a 10-5 win in Game 6. This was the fourth postseason meeting between the franchises, and with the win, the all-time playoff series record between the two clubs is now tied at two apiece.
Over the past three years, the Dodgers have held the upper hand in regular-season play, with an 11-7 record against the Mets, including a 9-4 Mets victory in their first meeting of 2024. The rivalry has produced its share of memorable moments, and both teams will be eager to gain an edge in this season’s series.
2024 Playoff Recap
The 2024 NLCS was a showcase of star power and high-stakes drama. The Dodgers’ offense, led by Tommy Edman and Will Smith, overpowered the Mets in several lopsided victories, while the Mets extended the series with a gutsy Game 5 win. Ultimately, Los Angeles clinched their record 25th NL pennant and denied the Mets a rematch with the Yankees in the World Series. The postseason battle further cemented the rivalry and set the stage for heightened intensity in their 2025 regular-season meetings.
Outlook
With both teams battling injuries but boasting deep, talented rosters, the Dodgers-Mets series at Citi Field promises to be a compelling matchup with playoff implications. The Dodgers’ edge in power and run prevention makes them slight favorites, but the Mets’ home-field advantage and hunger for redemption after last October’s NLCS defeat make this series anything but predictable. Fans and bettors alike should keep an eye on roster updates and pitching matchups as the weekend approaches, as these factors could swing the odds in either direction.
