Dodgers vs Mariners: Los Angeles Flexing Preseason Muscles

Pitching Matchup

The expected starters for Monday’s game are Trevor Bauer for the Dodgers and Justus Sheffield for the Mariners. Bauer, who is playing for his fourth MLB team, is 1-0 in the preseason and his ERA is a healthy 2.03. The right-hand pitcher has been as advertised in four games to date, including a five inning effort against Milwaukee last week. Bauer went five innings for three hits, two runs and seven strikeouts. It was the first time he had pitched more than 3.1 innings this season. He recorded only six hits for his first three games, which consisted of 8.1 innings.

Going against the star recruit on Monday is Justus Sheffield, who is 1-1 with an ERA of 6.48. It hasn’t been a stellar preseason to date for Sheffield. The 24-year-old has played three games, pitched 8.1 innings and given up six runs. However, all six runs came in his 2.1-inning effort against Texas. Sheffield was smacked around the park in recording seven hits, six runs, two home runs and three walks. He came back six days later and pitched much better against Kansas City, giving up two hits and two walks from four innings. His pitch command will need to be better against Los Angeles, which has no problems getting bat to ball.

Dodgers Bats Warming Up

The Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t tearing the rubber off the ball this preseason, but they’re starting to get close. They scored seven runs against Arizona from seven innings and another seven against Texas.

Corey Seager has done most of the damage. He has six home runs and a .400 average. The short stop never takes long to find form and he leads his team in most major statistical categories.

As preseason continues, expect to see the big bats for Los Angeles heat up. It has some notable players in the lineup and preseason is a good time to let the ball fly out of the park.

Pitching Is The Difference

As far as preseason goes, there is little difference between these two teams. However, Los Angeles has the better pitching unit and it’s not overly close.

The Dodgers have a 3.58 ERA and the Mariners have a 5.52 ERA. That’s a significant difference and it could be on show with Bauer vs Sheffield.

Los Angeles has given up 21 less walks and it has struck out six more batters. The WHIP is better at 1.26, compared to 1.53, so the pitching duel clearly goes to the Dodgers. For the latest MLB regular season wins futures and to place bets on the Tigers vs Rays, visit BetUS Sportsbook.

Dodgers vs Mariners Game Pick

Online betting markets have the Dodgers as -160 favorites, which is expected against Seattle.

We think the Dodgers are a good bet considering the pitching matchup. Trevor Bauer is tough to score against and the Dodgers are 6-1 on the road. With the game in Arizona, Seattle doesn’t get a home field advantage and that plays right into the hands of Los Angeles.

• Pick: Dodgers 4, Mariners 2