Los Angeles Dodgers vs St. Louis Cardinals 5/18/2023 Tips, Analysis and Picks
The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to begin a four-game road series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Thursday evening. The Dodgers currently boast an impressive overall record of 28-16, with a solid 11-9 record in away games. They lead the NL West division by three games, holding the top spot ahead of the second-place Arizona Diamondbacks, and have a remarkable +57 run difference for the season. The Dodgers enter this series on a high note, having won seven of their last eight games, including a convincing 7-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins in their most recent matchup. Their offense came alive in the seventh inning with a five-run rally, backed by a total of nine hits and two errors contributing to their success.
First baseman Freddie Freeman has been a standout performer for the Dodgers, boasting an impressive .312 batting average and leading the team with 53 hits this season. Right fielder Mookie Betts has also been a reliable contributor, maintaining a .244 batting average. Catcher Will Smith has made a strong comeback, displaying a solid .323 batting average. Third baseman Max Muncy has been a key offensive force for the Dodgers, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 32 RBIs so far this year. Taking the mound as the starting pitcher for the series opener on Thursday will be left-hander Julio Urias, who holds a record of 5-3, an ERA of 3.61, and has recorded 52 strikeouts. In 52.1 innings pitched, Urias has allowed 47 hits, issued nine walks, and surrendered ten home runs.
Both starting pitchers Alex Reyes and Ryan Pepiot find themselves on the 60-day injured list, with Reyes dealing with a shoulder issue and Pepiot nursing an oblique injury. Additionally, Jimmy Nelson and Michael Grove, also starters, are on the 15-day injured list due to elbow and groin problems, respectively. Dustin May, a starting pitcher, is currently on the 10-day injured list due to an elbow concern. Furthermore, reliever Daniel Hudson is on the 60-day injured list with a knee injury. Lastly, second baseman Gavin Lux is sidelined for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs St. Louis Cardinals 5/18/2023 Tips, Analysis and Picks
The St. Louis Cardinals are set to begin a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night, as they continue their homestand. The Cardinals, currently holding an overall record of 18-26, have struggled at home with an 8-14 record. They remain at the bottom of the NL Central, trailing the first-place Milwaukee Brewers by 6.5 games. Despite their challenges, the Cardinals have managed to maintain a positive run difference of +9 for the season. Prior to this matchup, they have won five of their last six games, including a recent home victory in the series finale against the Brewers. In their previous game, starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore delivered an impressive performance, pitching 5.0 innings without allowing any earned runs. He issued three walks and struck out six batters to secure the win.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt has been a standout contributor to the St. Louis offense, leading the team with a batting average of .306, an on-base percentage of .395, and 52 hits. Designated hitter Nolan Gorman has also made significant contributions, leading the team with ten home runs and 33 RBIs. On Thursday, the Cardinals will send right-hander Adam Wainwright to the mound as their starting pitcher for the series opener against the LA Dodgers. Wainwright currently holds a 0-0 record with a 7.20 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, and seven strikeouts. In his previous starts, he has given up 15 hits, two walks, and two home runs in 10.0 innings of work.
The St. Louis Cardinals have recently provided an injury update, revealing that five players are currently on the injured list. Pitchers Jake Woods and Wilking Rodriguez are both dealing with shoulder injuries, placing them on the 15-day and 60-day injured list, respectively. Relief Pitcher Packy Naughton has also been sidelined with a forearm issue, resulting in his placement on the 15-day injured list. Additionally, Right Fielder Tyler O’Neill is nursing a back injury, while Center Fielder Dylan Carlson is recovering from an ankle ailment, both of which have landed them on the 10-day injured list. The Cardinals will hope for a swift recovery for these players as they work to get back to full health and contribute to the team’s success.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals. The MLB Pick for this contest is Los Angeles Dodgers. The Los Angeles Dodgers, known for their dominant performance throughout the season, are set to take charge in this road matchup against the ailing St. Louis Cardinals. With an 11-9 record in away games, the Dodgers hold a clear advantage over their opponents. LA showcases superior skills both offensively and defensively, making them a formidable force against the struggling Cardinals. Based on these factors, the prediction is that the Los Angeles Dodgers will secure a 7-4 victory in Thursday’s game.
MLB Starting Time: 7:45 PM ET
Location: Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023
TV: MLBN
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Los Angeles Dodgers -145
MLB Totals: 8.5
