Pirates vs Dodgers Odds, Picks, and Probable Pitchers (August 16)

• The Los Angeles Dodgers are -350 favorites over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday (August 16th, 10:10 pm ET)
• Pittsburgh will give the ball to Steven Brault (0-1, 3.00 ERA), while it will be a bullpen game for LA
• Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction

It’s David versus Goliath on Monday (August 16th), as the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers host the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. LA enters play with a major league best +193 run differential, while Pittsburgh’s -180 run differential is the worst in the National League.

Pirates vs Dodgers Odds

Odds as of August 16th at DraftKings.

The Dodgers are fresh off a three-game sweep of the Mets, and opened as a -350 favorite. They’ve won 10 of 13 overall, while the Pirates have dropped 12 of 14.

First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 pm ET at Dodger Stadium, with the forecast calling for 70 degree night time temperatures and virtually no wind.

Probable Pitchers

LA’s starting rotation has been decimated due to injury and off-field issues, and as a result will throw another bullpen game on Monday. Julio Urias is the latest Dodger starter to succumb to injury, meaning a bullpen game is also likely later in the week.

Dodgers will go bullpen game tomorrow, Dave Roberts said. Mitch White will be the bulk pitcher on Wednesday.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 15, 2021

LA’s bullpen ranks fourth in the league in WAR, fifth in xFIP, and held the Phillies to two runs and four hits the last time they were called upon for a full nine innings. The matchup against the Pirates is pristine, as Pittsburgh ranks last in runs and slugging, and 29th in OPS. The Pirates have scored two or fewer runs in eight of their past 13 games, and have crossed the plate just seven times in three games against the Dodgers this season.

Dodgers Bullpen vs Brault

Pittsburgh will counter with lefty Steven Brault, who’s making only his third start of the season. The 29-year-old was shut down before the season started due to a shoulder injury, but has looked solid since his return. He’s held opponents to three runs and eight hits over 9 innings, while posting an 8-1 strikeout to walk ratio.

In his last 25 IP, dating back to last season, Steven Brault has allowed only 4 ER. That's a 1.44 ERA. #Pirates

— Jason Shetler (@Jason_Shetler) August 11, 2021

He’s 1-0 in four career starts versus LA, but that record is a bit misleading. He’s surrendered 16 hits and 10 runs in 12.2 innings of work in those outings, and the Dodgers lineup enters this game red-hot.

Batting Average vs Starting Pitchers

LA pounded 16 hits and scored 14 runs on Sunday Night Baseball against the Mets, and have scored at least eight times in three of its past eight contests.

Second homer of the night? Max is laser-focused. pic.twitter.com/NuXzxBoVHz

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 16, 2021

The Dodges lead the NL in runs, hits, and OPS, while checking in at number two in homers.

Pirates vs Dodgers Pick

LA has completely dominated this matchup dating back to 2018, winning 13 straight. The defending champs should have no issue taking care of business on Monday, but there’s simply no value on the moneyline or spread.

Send us the 🧹 emoji. pic.twitter.com/TFXruPhspu

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 16, 2021

As a result, instead of taking a side let’s focus on the total. 9 runs is a number that the Dodgers can easily clear on their own on any given night, but Brault has pitched well this season and LA could be a bit sluggish after a late night return from New York. Dating back to last season, Brault has allowed only four earned runs in his past 25 innings, while not much is expected from the Pirates offense.

Pittsburgh’s team total is a measly 2.5, so if we expect Brault to pitch well, the under looks like a tempting play.

Pick: Under 9 (-115)