Free MLB Picks Today: Los Angeles Dodgers vs St. Louis Cardinals 4/28/23

The Los Angeles Dodgers (13-13), one of the highest-scoring lineups in the National League, are set to host the St. Louis Cardinals (10-16) at Dodger Stadium on Friday to open a three-game series. The Cardinals are kicking off the final series of their 10-game road trip.

They won only one out of four in their last series against the Giants, taking the finale 6-0 on Thursday at Oracle Park. Paul DeJong was 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs. Alec Burleson added a solo home run.

The Dodgers are playing the first of six games at home after finishing up a seven-game road trip (4-3). They lost two of three against the Pirates in their last series, dropping the finale 6-2 on Thursday at PNC Park. Jason Heyward went 2 for 3 with one run. The teams are meeting for the first time this season.

Last season, the Dodgers won four of the six games between the teams, including two out of three in their most recent meeting at Dodger Stadium in September.

ON THE MOUND

Jack Flaherty (2-2, 3.29 ERA) is set to start for St. Louis. The RHP allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, a 7-3 road win over the Mariners on Sunday. He was credited with the win, scattering five hits while striking out nine and walking two.

Right-hander Dustin May (2-1, 3.07 ERA) takes the mound for Los Angeles. In his last start on Saturday, May got the win on the road against the Cubs. He threw 5.1 innings and gave up two runs on two hits, striking out six and walking three in the 9-4 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

The St. Louis offense is averaging 4.5 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .267/.342/.430. Nolan Gorman leads the team in OPS at .968. The third baseman is slashing .295/.378/.590 with six home runs, 22 RBIs, and seven runs over 24 games.

Against righties like May this season, the Cards have a .738 OPS. Gorman also is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a 1.030 OPS in 73 at-bats. Los Angeles is slashing .226/.321/.449 for the season and averaging 5.1 runs per game, third best in the NL.

Four Dodgers hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Max Muncy (1.129). The second baseman has 11 home runs, 21 RBIs, and 16 runs scored with a slash line of .254/.411/.718.

The Dodgers have ann .810 OPS against right-handers in 2023, third highest in MLB. With a 1.201 OPS over 49 at-bats, Muncy also has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

St. Louis is 5-8 on the road in 2023, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Los Angeles has gone 6-6 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 3.2. In the last 10 games between the teams at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 5.1-2.7.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Cardinals are fifth in the NL Central, eight games behind the division-leading Pirates. The Dodgers are second in the NL West, zero games behind the Diamondbacks.