The Dodgers return home after a lengthy road trip to host the Oakland A’s in a two-game interleague series. Los Angeles has been one of the best home teams all season and looks to continue that run to stay atop the NL West standings.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Oakland A’s didn’t do the Dodgers any favors over the weekend, getting swept by their Bay Area rival San Francisco Giants – who also happen to be LA’s closest pursuer in the NL West. The A’s opened for business with the trade of Scott Kazmir last week and apparently the move has affected the team. Oakland has lost four straight since the deal and five of its last six finishing in the red 4.0 units in that stretch. The A’s recent slide has made them the least profitable team in majors down 19.85 units overall and 2.62 units while going 23-26 on the road. The Dodgers ended their 10-game post-break road trip with a pair of losses at New York to finish the journey at an even 5-5. They return home clinging to first place in the NL West hoping that home cooking can get them on a roll. The Dodgers have been good at home all season with a 33-17 record, but they’re up just 3.41 units on the moneyline.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Sonny Gray (10-4, 2.30 ERA) will pitch fresh off a performance which he gave up two earned runs in seven innings against the Blue Jays on Wednesday getting a no-decision. Gray has a 4.85 ERA in two starts since the All-Star break and has yielded at least three earned runs in four of his last six turns, but still sits in the top 10 of the AL in most statistical categories for starters.
Gray has been dominant on the road going 7-1 with a 1.84 ERA in 11 starts and will be making his first interleague start this year in his first appearance ever against the Dodgers.
When last seen, Brett Anderson (5-5, 3.33 ERA) was limping off the mound in Atlanta fearing an Achilles tendon injury. He threw a successful bullpen session Friday and returns to the hill a week later without missing a turn in the rotation. His start was pushed back a day after Zack Greinke returned from paternity leave to start Sunday’s game.
Anderson will face the team he spent the first five seasons of his career with for the first time. He compiled 26 of his 32 career wins pitching for the A’s from 2009 to 2013.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“This is the first time since I’ve been here that we’ve been in this position, where we’re a seller, but it shouldn’t affect how we go about our business. It was tough to see Scotty [Kazmir] go, and I think, naturally, guys will think about what shoe is going to drop next, but once we go between the lines, it’s our job to go out there and expect to win on a particular day.” – A’s manager Bob Melvin.
LIVE BETTING or SITUATIONAL BETTING
As the trade deadline approaches, the Athletics have already conceded by dealing starter Scott Kazmir last week. Now other Oakland players are left to speculate who could be next. Multiple reports say the A’s are actively shopping infielder Ben Zobrist, a valuable utility player and likely the next Athletic on the chopping block. Zobrist is batting .254 with six home runs and 33 RBIs in 65 games during a season interrupted by left knee surgery. The A’s have been fielding calls on him for weeks, mulling offers from several teams, including the Mets and Royals, but are committed to moving him for the right price. He told manager Bob Melvin last week that he feels “a lot better than I did before the All-Star break.” Which is good news for the both the A’s and potentially his next team.
PROP TALK
Don’t be surprised if A’s leadoff hitter Billy Burns tests LA starter Brett Anderson early. Burns had his weekend spoiled after taking a foul ball to the groin on Friday. He didn’t start Saturday but entered the game as a pinch hitter and stayed in. He started Sunday’s contest and looks to be fine now. Burns his hitting .309 on the season and uses his speed whenever possible. You can bet he’ll test Anderson and his tender Achilles with a few bunt attempts and could have a few hits in him if the Dodgers’ starter is still concerned about the injury that forced him out of his last start.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Dodgers will be energized to get back home after a 10-game road trip to start the second half of the season. They won’t be too excited to see Sonny Gray on the bump. LA has been real good at Dodger Stadium this season, the main reason why they are still in first place in the NL West, and will need to continue that success to stay on top. Gray is the A’s ace but has been hittable after the break and his strikeout numbers have come down, a sign he might be hitting a wall. The Dodgers need to take advantage because Anderson will be on a short leash coming off his Achilles soreness and the bullpen has had its difficulties lately.
Los Angeles 4, Oakland 3
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Gamble on the game between every half inning with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen in the next at-bat or how many runs will be scored in the next inning. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at 10:10 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium. You can watch the contest live on the MLB Network.
