Free MLB Picks Today: San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers 5/7/23

The Los Angeles Dodgers (20-14) are on the road to face the San Diego Padres (18-16) at Petco Park on Sunday with the three-game series even at 1-1.

The Dodgers evened the series 1-1 after winning 2-1 on Saturday. Dustin May threw six scoreless innings – striking out six – for the win, and Evan Phillips struck out the side in the ninth for his fourth save. Fernando Tatis Jr. went 3 for 4 with a double and one RBI for the Padres.

ON THE MOUND

Julio Urias (4-3, 3.86 ERA) is slated for the start for Los Angeles. The southpaw is tied for third in the NL in wins. Urias allowed one run over seven innings in his last start, a 13-1 home win over the Phillies on Tuesday.

He was credited with the win, giving up one hit while striking out 10 and walking one. Urias is making his first appearance against the Padres this season. Over four starts against the Padres in 2022, Urias was 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA over 24 innings.

He had 18 strikeouts and 10 walks. Right-hander Joe Musgrove (1-0, 10.80 ERA) will toe the rubber for San Diego. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Dodgers.

Musgrove made three appearances against the Dodgers in 2022, all starts, striking out 23 and walking six over 17.1 innings (0-2, 3.63). In his last start on April 29, Musgrove took a no-decision at home against the Giants. He threw 3.1 innings and gave up seven runs on six hits, striking out three and walking one in the 16-11 win.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Los Angeles has averaged 8.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 5.5, while slashing better across the board (.293/.376/.534). Against righties like Musgrove this season, the Dodgers have ann .822 OPS, second highest in the league.

Max Muncy is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a 1.128 OPS in 65 at-bats. San Diego is averaging 4.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.2 for the season. The Padres have a .782 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a 1.086 OPS over 33 at-bats, Trent Grisham has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Los Angeles is 8-8 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 5.7 runs. San Diego has gone 10-10 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.1.

The NL West rivals have split their last 10 games head-to-head at Petco Park, though Los Angeles has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.0-3.0.