The LA Dodgers welcome back disgraced slugger Manny Ramirez today, Friday July 3, as the Dodgers open a three game road trip in San Diego against the Padres. The Padres won their last meeting, but LA has won their previous five. MLB oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Dodgers as -140 moneyline favorites over the Padres (+125) with the over/under set at 7 runs. Be sure to get your MLB Picks: Dodgers vs Padres MLB Betting Odds in now at Sportsbook.comThe Dodgers had the best record in baseball when Ramirez left and it still does, with the third-best record in the NL since May 7. The Dodgers went 21-8 while averaging 5.55 runs with Ramirez and 29-21 while averaging 4.40 runs without him. The Dodgers have won five of their last ten games after going three for six during a six game home stand. They’ll be more than happy to get Ramirez back as their offense has struggled; they’ve scored just eight runs in their last five games. Taking the mound tonight is Hiroki Kuroda (2-4, 3.77 ERA) who has lost four of his last five starts. He last pitched in a 2-4 loss to Seattle after 6.1 innings pitched and eight hits allowed, four runs scored and five strikeouts. The Dodgers are 22-16 on the road where they average 5.11 runs for and 4.32 runs against.
The Padres finished a four game home stand where they went 1-3 against Houston; they are 4-6 in their last ten games. Houston completely outscored the Padres 20-8. During their last game against Houston they left nine runners on base during and were 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position. The greatest missed opportunity occurred during a no-out, bases loaded scenario in the third inning. The Padres are 22-18 at home where they average 3.50 runs for and 4.10 runs against. Tossing from the slab tonight is Chad Gaudin (4-6, 4.97 ERA) who has won his last two starts. He last pitched on the road against Texas where he tossed eight innings, allowed one hit with nine strikeouts.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in San Diego.
- Dodgers are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
- Dodgers are 4-1 in Kurodas last 5 starts vs. Padres.
- Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
- Dodgers are 4-1 in Kurodas last 5 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150.
- Dodgers are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Dodgers are 4-1 in their last 5 during game 1 of a series.
MLB Picks: Dodgers vs Padres
When: Fri, July 03, 2009 10:05 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Dodgers -140
Point-Spreads.com MLB Picks: Dodgers vs Padres
The Bottom Line: Don’t count on Manny to win one for the Dodgers; it’ll be a team win. Go Dodgers! Be sure to get your MLB Picks: Dodgers vs Padres MLB Betting Odds in now at Sportsbook.com and receive up to 295% in Cash Bonuses and start winning today!
