Los Angeles Dodgers vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 6/15/26, 6:36 PM  by Lou Aguila in MLB Picks

The LA Dodgers hope to regain their winning form at home as they host the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game interleague series starting on Monday at Dodger Stadium.

Momentum: The Tampa Bay Rays avoided a sweep at the hands of the Angels as Junior Caminero’s home run ignited a five-run barrage in the 8th inning of an 8-3 win. The LA Dodgers are still the top dogs in the NL West with a 45-27 record, but they have gone 3-4 over the last 7 games.

Matchup: The Dodgers have taken 3 of their last 4 meetings with the Rays. Their lone three-game series last year produced three shutouts with the Dodgers winning Games 1 (5-0) and 3 (3-0) and the Rays claiming Game 2 (4-0).

Starting Pitchers: The Rays will send RHP Nick Martinez (6-2, 2.43 ERA) to the mound in Game 1. Martinez has posted a still solid 3.60 ERA over his last five starts, but his last 11 innings on the bump yielded 15 hits and 9 earned runs.

Left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer (2-5, 5.47 ERA) will be making his fourth start since joining the Dodgers. Lauer has surrendered five earned runs across his last three starts, though the Dodgers ended up with the W in those outings.

Hot on the Board: The Dodgers are the heavy favorites coming into this series opener, with Caesars listing them at -170 moneyline and +118 to cover -1.5 runs.