As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to face the Colorado Rockies in a three-game series at Coors Field, fantasy baseball managers are presented with a golden opportunity. This matchup is arguably the most lopsided in all of Major League Baseball, with the Dodgers boasting the best record in the National League and the Rockies stuck in the league’s cellar.
Stacking Dodgers hitters is not just a good strategy for those playing fantasy—it’s nearly essential. The combination of the Dodgers’ star-studded lineup and the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field makes this series a potential fantasy bonanza. Players like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy are must-starts in every format, and even secondary options like Teoscar Hernandez and Michael Conforto could deliver significant returns.
Meanwhile, Rockies pitchers should be avoided at all costs, as their struggles on the mound have been well-documented. For those seeking value on Underdog’s fantasy sports platform, taking a flier on a Rockies player is bold, but the real fantasy upside lies with the Dodgers.
Series Overview: First vs. Worst
The Dodgers head into Denver with a commanding 49-31 record, leading the NL West with authority. Their dominance has been consistent throughout the season, and they have won nine straight games against the Rockies, who come into the series with a dismal 18-61 mark. Colorado’s struggles have been especially pronounced at home, where they hold an 8-30 record at Coors Field and have yet to win consecutive games on their turf. The betting odds for the series reflect this vast disparity, with the Dodgers listed as massive favorites in every game. Moneyline odds have the Dodgers favored by more than 300 points in some instances, while the Rockies are priced as heavy underdogs even at home. The run line has the Dodgers favored by 1.5 runs in most contests, and the game totals are set at 11 runs—a testament to both the Dodgers’ offensive firepower and Coors Field’s reputation for high-scoring affairs.
Pitching Matchups and Projections
The pitching matchups for the series only widen the gap between these two teams. The Dodgers are expected to send out a combination of their deep rotation, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto taking the ball in the series opener. Yamamoto has been one of the league’s top starters, averaging nearly a strikeout per inning and limiting opponents to minimal damage. He stifled their lineup in his most recent outing against the Rockies before a rain delay cut his night short. Colorado, meanwhile, is projected to turn to Chase Dollander, who ranks near the bottom among MLB starters. Dollander has struggled to go deep into games and has allowed over three earned runs per start—hardly a recipe for success against the Dodgers’ potent offense.
The series finale features a matchup of left-handers, with Clayton Kershaw taking the mound for Los Angeles. Kershaw, just eight strikeouts shy of 3,000 for his illustrious career, brings a 3-0 record and a 3.31 ERA into the contest. The Rockies counter with Austin Gomber, whose 8.38 ERA underscores his struggles this season. The difference in experience and performance between these two pitchers is stark, and it’s difficult to see the Rockies mounting much of a challenge against Kershaw, especially given their season-long struggles against quality pitching.
Injury and Roster Updates
Injury woes have only exacerbated the gap between these teams. The Dodgers, despite their dominance, are missing several key pitchers, including Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Tony Gonsolin, but their depth has allowed them to weather these setbacks. On the other hand, the Rockies are without several vital contributors, including Kyle Freeland, Ryan Feltner, and Ezequiel Tovar. Their thin rotation is further depleted, forcing them to rely on unproven arms and patchwork lineups. Roster moves have been minimal for both teams heading into the series, with the Dodgers content to ride their current wave of success and the Rockies in full evaluation mode, giving young players opportunities to prove themselves at the major league level.
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers-Rockies series is a classic case of first versus worst, with Los Angeles holding every conceivable advantage over Colorado. The betting odds, pitching matchups, and injury reports all point to a lopsided affair, and fantasy managers would be wise to stack Dodgers players in all formats. While the Rockies may embody the spirit of underdog sports, the reality is that this series is unlikely to produce any surprises. For those looking for fantasy gold, the Dodgers are the clear choice—there isn’t a bigger mismatch in baseball right now. The combination of star power, favorable odds, and a hitter-friendly environment makes this series a must-watch for fans and a must-play for fantasy managers.
