Dodgers vs. Astros: Game 1 prediction, lineup, odds, injuries, and picks - July 4, 2025

The Houston Astros are reeling with a number of injuries and are headed to the City of Angels to face the defending champions, the LA Dodgers. This inter-league rivalry has been heightened by the two clubs' successes in recent years and this promises to be an electric three-game series.

Both teams have the top two records in the last 30 games. The Astros have been unbeaten in a series dating back to the third week of May when they dropped two out of three games to the Tampa Bay Rays. They have a seven-game lead at the top of the AL West.

Their NL West opponents, the Dodgers, have lost just once in the last 10 games but face their toughest challenge in a while in the Astros. At 56-32, they are 9.0 games ahead of the 46-40 San Diego Padres in second place.

Dodgers vs. Astros Game 1: Betting Odds & Weather

Date & Time: Friday, July 4, 2025, 9:10 p.m. ET

Money Line: Dodgers (-180)

Over/Under: Over 9 runs

Weather: Sunny, 76 degrees F, Wind 9 mph out, 0% chance of precipitation

Dodgers vs. Astros Game 1: Injuries & Lineups

Injuries

Dodgers

• Max Muncy: 10 Day IL (Knee),
• Michael Kopech: 15 Day IL (Knee),
• Gavin Stone: 60 Day IL (Shoulder),
• River Ryan: 60 Day IL (Elbow),
• Brusdar Graterol: 60 Day IL (Shoulder),
• Blake Treinen: 60 Day IL (Forearm),
• Tyler Glasnow: 60 Day IL (Shoulder),
• Roki Sasaki: 60 Day IL (Shoulder),
• Kyle Hurt: 60 Day IL (Elbow),
• Michael Grove: 60 Day IL (Shoulder),
• Tony Gonsolin: 60 Day IL (Elbow),
• Evan Phillips: 60 Day IL (Forearm),
• Blake Snell: 60 Day IL (Shoulder)

Astros

• Chas McCormick: 10 Day IL (Oblique),
• Luis Guillorme: 10 Day IL (Hamstring),
• Zach Dezenzo: 10 Day IL (Hand),
• Jeremy Pena: 10 Day IL (Rib),
• Jacob Melton: 10 Day IL (Ankle),
• Brendan Rodgers: 10 Day IL (Oblique),
• Shawn Dubin: 15 Day IL (Forearm),
• Spencer Arrighetti: 60 Day IL (Thumb),
• Ronel Blanco: 60 Day IL (Elbow),
• J.P. France: 60 Day IL (Shoulder),
• Cristian Javier: 60 Day IL (Elbow),
• Hayden Wesneski: 60 Day IL (Elbow),
• Yordan Alvarez: 60 Day IL (Hand),
• Luis Garcia: 60 Day IL (Elbow),
• Pedro Leon: 60 Day IL (Knee)

Expected Lineups

Dodgers

1. DH S. Ohtani [L]
2. SS Mookie Betts [R]
3. 1B F. Freeman [L]
4. C Will Smith [R]
5. RF T. Hernandez [R]
6. CF Andy Pages [R]
7. LF M. Conforto [L]
8. 2B Tommy Edman [S]
9. 3B Miguel Rojas [R]

Astros

1. 3B I. Paredes [R]
2. CF Jake Meyers [R]
3. 2B Jose Altuve [R]
4. RF Cam Smith [R]
5. DH V. Caratini [S]
6. C Yainer Diaz [R]
7. 1B C. Walker [R]
8. LF C. Hummel [S]
9. SS M. Dubon [R]

Dodgers vs. Astros Game 1: Prediction and Picks

Ben Casparius starts on the mound for Los Angeles with a 6-2 record and 3.97 ERA, and looks to outduel Lance McCullers Jr. The Astros pitcher has struggled at times, and has a 1-3 record and a 6.61 ERA this season.

While the Astros' batting has a better collective average (.270) compared to the Dodgers (.249) in the last 10 games, they will have their work cut out against Casparius and the bullpen. Victor Caratini has 9 RBIs, including 3 homers in the last 10 games for Houston.

Picks: Dodgers -180, Over 9 runs

Prediction: Dodgers 5, Astros 4