Dodgers/Diamondbacks: Buoyed up or sinking?
(MLB) LA Dodgers vs. Arizona, 07/30/2021 9:40 PM, Score: 5 - 6
Point Spread: -1.50 | -110.00 LA Dodgers (Away)
Result: Loss
La Dodgers (Gonsolin) vs Arizona Diamondbacks (Gallen)

It is hard to imagine two teams with less in common than the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers at this moment. The Dodgers have just completed a massive trade with a look to another pennant race. The Diamondbacks are just sitting and waiting for the ax to fall. On the mound for the Dodgers is a fine young starter, Tony Gonsolin(1-1, 2.32). He beat the DB’s the last time he faced them, allowing 1 ER over 4 innings. Dodgers are 6-2 with him pitching, and his starts are getting longer in duration. In his last start against the Rockies, he pitched into the sixth, allowing 0 ER.

Righty Zac Gallen (1-5, 4.79) gets less support than Marcus Stroman! Arizona is a lowly 2-9 with him on the hill. He hasn’t pitched as badly as his record but does have some control issues.

Off a 5-zip win against the rival Giants, the Dodgers must be buoyed up with all of the additions, not to mention the return of Crawford and Seager. Their pen did have some struggles, but must be thrilled with the addition of two new starters, and has returned to form of late. Of note, they are 62-40 as a favorite, and strong vs right-handers. About all that can be said positively about the Diamondbacks is that they did sweep the Pirates, and their underachieving bullpen has been slightly better of late. Against right-handed starters, they are 26-52, at home they are 19-30 and, here is an odd stat, on Fridays they are only 2-15!

Of course the Dodgers are a large favorite, but the spread is palatable. I’m wagering on the Dodgers -1.5.