Cincinnati Reds vs Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 7/30/25, 3:39 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 7/30/25 at 9:55 PM in MLB Picks

In Game 1 of the Dodgers vs. Reds series, the Dodgers' top three hitters—Betts, Ohtani, and Hernandez—were a combined 5-for-12, the key factor in securing a 5-2 victory. Yamamoto performed well on the mound, pitching seven innings with nine strikeouts and only one ER.

Just like in Game 1, the Dodgers also took the lead in Game 2 thanks to Edman's two-run homer. In Game 3, because Ohtani is pitching, the Dodgers' favorite odds continue to drop to around -170.

Ohtani was brought in because it's impossible to send him to a minor league team for rehab games, as they need his bat. Very cleverly, Ohtani hasn't thrown more than 50 pitches since he was able to pitch again, and the Dodgers won against the Twins and Giants the previous two times he started a game. In his last two outings, Ohtani increased his innings to three, and he may be ready to pitch more against the Reds. The Japanese hitter has 38 home runs and his ERA is 1.50 in 12 innings.

Nick Martinez will get the ball for the Reds in Game 3; his ERA increased when he allowed 10 ER to the Marlins on July 8, but the Reds have won four of Martinez's last five starts.