Astros vs Dodgers Predictions, Odds & Player Props (Saturday, July 5)

• I’ve locked in my Astros vs Dodgers predictions for Saturday’s Game 2 on July 5
• The Ohtani vs. Valdez matchup is misleading. Ohtani’s just an opener, leaving LA’s injured bullpen exposed
• Houston enters riding high with nine wins in their last 11, including an 18-1 demolition of the Dodgers

Two baseball titans meet Saturday night, but don’t let the names fool you. The Los Angeles Dodgers send Shohei Ohtani (2.25 ERA) to the mound, except he’s only working an inning or two as an opener. The Houston Astros counter with Framber Valdez (9-4, 2.73 ERA), a true starter who can go deep.

After Houston’s 18-1 beatdown at Dodger Stadium in their last meeting, the Astros bring serious momentum into this one. The Dodgers’ bullpen? It’s been wrecked by injuries. Seven key arms are on the IL. That’s trouble against an Astros offense that’s scored 67 runs over their last 11 games.

First pitch at Dodger Stadium is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at 7:15 PM ET.

Astros vs Dodgers Predictions

• Houston Astros Moneyline (+123)
• Astros RL (-176 – use in SGP)
• Over 8.5 (-112)

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The betting angle here hinges on what happens after the first inning. The Dodgers are a powerhouse at home, but they’re at a huge disadvantage tonight. Ohtani’s start is just a cameo. After that, an overworked bullpen takes over against Houston’s hot offense.

The Astros have won nine of their last 11 games and hold a 4-1 record over the Dodgers in their last five meetings. I expect this trend to continue against LA’s patchwork pitching plan.

Framber Valdez provides the stability that Los Angeles desperately lacks. He’s a workhorse who induces weak contact and pitches deep into games, exactly what Houston needs. The Astros’ offense, even without Yordan Alvarez, has proven it can explode. Just look at their recent 18-run outburst.

The trends also favor Houston. They’re 7-3 in their last 10 road games and 5-2 in their last seven as an underdog. While the public backs the Dodgers, sharp money has correctly identified the value on the road team.

At plus money on the moneyline and with the run line insurance at -176, I’m all over the Astros tonight. The Over is a smaller play as well, with LA’s bullpen likely to serve up some runs.

Houston Astros vs Los Angeles Dodgers Odds

Odds as of July 5, 2025 from DraftKings. Check out the top MLB betting apps for Dodgers vs Astros.

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The odds paint the Dodgers as solid home favorites, but I believe Ohtani’s name value inflates that without accounting for his limited role.

The market gives LA a 57.2% chance of winning compared to 42.8% for Houston. Given the pitching realities, the value clearly lies with the Astros.

Odds Movement & Analysis

The Dodgers opened at -126 but public money has pushed them to -147, which is over 20 cents of movement. This is driven by LA’s excellent home record and Ohtani’s star power.

But here’s what matters: While 63% of tickets are on the Dodgers, 51% of the money is actually on Houston. This type of monetary distribution screams sharp action. The pros recognize that Ohtani is just an opener, and they’re betting accordingly.

With Houston on an 8-2 run and having won four of their last five against LA, the +123 odds offer serious value.

Dodgers vs Astros Pitcher Props

MLB pitcher props as of July 5, 2025 from DraftKings.

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The prop market tells the real story. Ohtani’s strikeout line at just 1.5 confirms he won’t pitch more than two innings. After that, it’s all on the Dodgers’ depleted bullpen.

I love Valdez Over 4.5 strikeouts (-155). The Dodgers’ lineup might press early knowing their bullpen situation, and Valdez has the stuff to make them pay. His outs line of 17.5 (5.2 innings) also looks achievable, as Houston needs him to eat innings.

Key Batter Props

Given the Dodgers’ pitching situation, Christian Walker to record a hit (-175) is my favorite play. He went 4-for-5 with a homer last time at Dodger Stadium and will get multiple at-bats against middle relievers.

HOU vs LAD Injury Reports

The Dodgers’ injury list is brutal. Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Tony Gonsolin are all out long-term. Their bullpen is missing Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol. Max Muncy’s absence hurts their lineup too.

Houston’s biggest loss is Yordan Alvarez, but they’ve still got plenty of firepower. Jeremy Peña and Chas McCormick are also out, but this offense has proven it can produce without them.

Astros vs Dodgers Starting Pitcher Matchup

No Houston hitters have faced Ohtani, but it won’t matter much, given his limited role. The real matchup is Valdez against the Dodgers’ lineup.

Dodgers vs. Valdez Career Stats:

• Shohei Ohtani: 2-for-2 with a double and a walk
• Will Smith: 1-for-2 with a walk
• The rest: Limited success (combined .200 average)

Valdez’s sinker-heavy approach has mostly kept the Dodgers in check. With LA likely pressing for early runs, he could rack up strikeouts tonight.

Recent Series Action

Houston set the tone with an 18-1 destruction of the Dodgers. Jose Altuve blasted two homers and drove in five. Christian Walker went 4-for-5 with a homer. Victor Caratini’s grand slam highlighted a 10-run sixth inning.

Lance McCullers Jr. cruised through six innings for Houston. The Dodgers’ pitching staff had no answers for the Astros’ relentless attack.

That game exposed LA’s pitching depth issues. Tonight’s bullpen game after Ohtani’s opener sets up perfectly for another big Houston offensive night. The sharp money knows it, and so should you.