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Rockies vs Dodgers Picks and Odds – Aug 22

Jordan Horrobin

by Jordan Horrobin in MLB Baseball

Updated Mar 9, 2021 · 2:27 PM PST

The Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw delivering a pitch.
Clayton Kershaw was noticeably diminished in his return from a biceps injury and exited early with back tightness, leaving the Dodgers in more trouble than they were already in. Photo by Arturo Pardavila III (flickr) [CC License].
  • A pitchers’ duel could be in the works as the Dodgers and Rockies both send promising starters to the mound on Saturday (Aug. 22nd, 9:10 pm EST)
  • The once-surging Rockies have sunken into a slump, while the Dodgers boast the best record in baseball
  • Check out the article below for odds, matchup analysis and a pick for this game

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies are both sending promising and intriguing arms to the mound for Saturday’s matchup at 9:10 pm EST. But the teams are coming from completely different places in the standings, as the Dodgers boast MLB’s best record and the Rockies are careening toward mediocrity.

As Colorado seeks to avoid an eighth loss in nine games, here’s a look at Dodgers vs Rockies odds.

Dodgers vs Rockies Odds

Team Moneyline Runline Over/Under Run Total at DraftKings
Los Angeles Dodgers -230 -1.5 (-116) Over 9 (-108)
Colorado Rockies +198 +1.5 (-102) Under 9 (-112)

Odds as of Aug. 22nd.

Justin Turner Tries To Stay Hot

Justin Turner’s 13-game hit streak ended on Thursday, but he could be due to start another one against Kyle Freeland and the Rockies. Turner is not the only Dodger to succeed against Freeland, but his 12 hits in 25 at-bats signifies that he has figured something out about the Rockies lefty.

What Turner, a one-time NLCS MVP, hasn’t figured out yet this year is hitting with power. His .418 slugging percentage so far is the lowest of his Dodgers’ tenure (circa 2014).

But the bearded third baseman has still found a way to get on base in 23 of 26 games, which has helped him maintain an effective 115 OPS+.

Dodgers Career Stats vs Freeland

Player AB HR RBI AVG.
Mookie Betts 3 0 0 .000
Justin Turner 25 0 2 .480
Cody Bellinger 6 0 4 .667
Max Muncy 6 0 0 .000
Kike Hernandez 15 0 2 .200
Joc Pederson 4 0 1 .750
Austin Barnes 13 0 0 .000
AJ Pollock 20 2 4 .400
Corey Seager 10 0 1 .600
Chris Taylor 12 1 1 .333

Freeland’s Consistency

Freeland might not have as eye-popping raw stuff as Dustin May (May’s fastball velocity, fastball spin rate and curveball spin all exceed the 90th percentile), but the Colorado pitcher does have one thing going for him: consistency.

All five of Freeland’s starts this season have been quality starts, meaning he has pitched six-plus innings and allowed three or fewer runs. By doing so, he has given the Rockies a chance to win every time he has stepped on the mound.

https://twitter.com/AugustineMLB/status/1295720466955546625?s=20

May’s outings with the Dodgers have been more sporadic, as he has failed to work past the fifth inning in three of his five starts. But he’s also only 22 (while Freeland is 27), and presumably has a shorter leash.

Then again, the Dodgers have had the best bullpen in baseball (1.85 ERA), while the Rockies lag behind at 20th (5.08 ERA). So there’s less pressure on May to go deep into games.

Rockies Career Stats vs May

Player AB HR RBI AVG.
Nolan Arenado 1 0 0 .000
Charlie Blackmon 0 0 0 .000
Drew Butera 0 0 0 .000
Garrett Hampson 1 0 0 .000
Matt Kemp 0 0 0 .000
Ryan McMahon 0 0 0 .000
Daniel Murphy 0 0 0 .000
Brendan Rodgers 0 0 0 .000
Trevor Story 0 0 0 .000
Tony Wolters 0 0 0 .000

Rockies Are Free Fallin’

On August 11, Colorado was 1.5 games ahead in the NL West with a 12-5 record. They were one of baseball’s most pleasant surprises, in prime position during the shortened season.

They’ve won only once in nine games since, scoring two or fewer runs in four of those games. The Rockies have also allowed nearly seven runs per game in that span.

It’s a free fall, which is tough to watch but important for bettors to take heed of.

And it makes the decision to take the Dodgers that much easier, given that they’ve won nine of their past 10 — including a 5-1 win over Colorado on Friday.

Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers moneyline -230

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