As the Los Angeles Dodgers (88-61) wrap up their four-game series against Atlanta today, they prepare to face the Miami Marlins (55-95) in a three-game series beginning Tuesday at LoanDepot Park.
Los Angeles has struggled lately, just 4-6 over its last ten games. The Dodgers have given up ten or more runs four times in September after giving up ten or more runs only four times the entire season. The Marlins have lost three straight and are 3-7 over their last ten games. They are pacing for their first 100+ loss season since 2019 when they lost 105 games.
The contrast between these teams couldn’t be more stark. The Dodgers, with their sights set firmly on postseason success, are looking to solidify their position atop the National League, while the Marlins are simply playing out the string in a season that has long since slipped away. With odds likely around -200, the Dodgers would be the favored team, meaning a $200 bet would earn a $100 profit if they win, reported Twin.com website. On the other hand, the underdog Marlins could offer attractive odds at around +180, meaning a $100 bet would yield $180 if they manage an upset.
Playoff Positioning
While the Dodgers have all but wrapped up the NL West, their work is far from done. The team is engaged in a fierce battle with the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies for one of the top two seeds in the National League. Securing one of these spots would grant the Dodgers a coveted first-round bye in the playoffs, allowing them to rest and set up their rotation for a deep postseason run.
Every game now takes on added significance, and this series against the Marlins presents an opportunity for the Dodgers to gain ground. With the Brewers and Phillies facing more formidable opponents, a sweep of the Marlins could prove crucial in the race for that first-round bye.
Pitching Prospects
The series opener will likely feature Bobby Miller on the mound for the Dodgers. While his 8.17 ERA is cause for concern, manager Dave Roberts has expressed confidence in the young right-hander, indicating that he’ll get at least one more start this season. This could be a make-or-break outing for Miller as he looks to secure a spot in the postseason rotation.
Darren McCaughan is slated to take the mound in the first game on the Marlins’ side. With an 0-0 record and a 7.07 ERA, McCaughan will be looking to make a statement against one of the league’s most formidable lineups.
David vs. Goliath Matchup
On paper, this series appears to be a mismatch. The Dodgers, with their wealth of talent and postseason aspirations, should handily dispatch the struggling Marlins. However, baseball has a way of confounding expectations. The Marlins, playing with nothing to lose, could be a dangerous opponent if the Dodgers aren’t entirely focused.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, every game takes on added importance. For the Dodgers, these two games against the Marlins are not just about adding to their win total – they’re about fine-tuning their machine for the challenges ahead in October. It’s an opportunity for the Marlins to play spoiler and gain valuable experience against one of the league’s elite teams.
This three-game set may seem insignificant in the grand tapestry of a 162-game season. But for the Dodgers, it could be the difference between a first-round bye and a wild-card series. For the Marlins, it’s a chance to end a disappointing season on a high note. As always in baseball, the only certainty is uncertainty, and that’s why they play the games.
Spotlight Players
The Boys in Blue have been on a tear this season, largely thanks to their star-studded lineup. At the forefront of their success is the incomparable Shohei Ohtani, who continues redefining what’s possible in baseball. Ohtani stands on the precipice of history, just three home runs shy of becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season. His 47 home runs and 104 RBIs, coupled with a robust .289 batting average, have been the driving force behind the Dodgers’ offensive juggernaut.
But Ohtani isn’t alone in his brilliance. Fresh off the injured list, Mookie Betts has seamlessly reintegrated into the lineup, taking up his customary spot batting second and patrolling right field. Betts’ return adds another dimension to an already potent offense, providing the Dodgers with elite defense and a consistent threat at the plate.
Perhaps the Dodgers’ most pleasant surprise has been the emergence of Tommy Edman. Acquired at the trade deadline, Edman has been spectacular, hitting .300 since donning Dodger blue. His recent power surge, with five home runs in his last five games, has given the Dodgers another weapon in their arsenal.