Phillies vs. Dodgers: Game 1 prediction, odds, injuries, and picks

The NL spotlight shines on Dodger Stadium Monday night as the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers open a high-stakes three-game set. The Phillies, riding an 8-2 stretch and boasting one of baseball’s most dangerous lineups, enter with the best record in the NL East and a league-best .331 on-base percentage.

The Dodgers, fresh off Teoscar Hernandez’s four-hit performance, have dominated at home with a 48-26 mark and continue to find ways to win despite a bruised pitching staff. With Ranger Suarez’s steady command facing Emmet Sheehan’s electric arsenal, Game 1 promises a razor-tight battle between two October-bound heavyweights.

Starting Pitchers

Ranger Suarez - Philadelphia Phillies

Suarez has been the steady hand in a Phillies rotation that’s taken some heavy hits. At 12-6 with a 2.77 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 143 innings, he’s been one of the most efficient arms in the NL this year. He doesn’t overpower hitters but frustrates them, mixing his sinker and changeup to force weak ground balls. Against a Dodgers lineup that thrives on lifting the ball, his ability to kill launch angle could be the difference.

Emmet Sheehan - Los Angeles Dodgers

Sheehan has been a quiet revelation for Los Angeles. Just 25, he’s stepped into the rotation and delivered a 3.32 ERA with a sharp 1.09 WHIP across 59.2 innings. His strikeout stuff is legit, 69 Ks already, and his fastball-slider combo has given hitters fits. The Dodgers will need him to attack early counts and avoid the long at-bats Philly’s lineup loves to grind out. For a young arm on a big stage, this is a serious test.

Hot Hitters to Watch

Kyle Schwarber - Philadelphia Phillies

Schwarber remains the most obvious deep-ball trigger in this matchup. He’s slugging at elite rates this season and can erase deficits with one swing; Dodger Stadium’s short porches make any mistake over the inner half costly.

Mookie Betts - Los Angeles Dodgers

Betts is the Dodgers’ attack engine, contact, walk rate, and the tools to turn one bad inning into two for the opposition. He’ll be the plate-discipline barometer against Suarez’s sequencing.

Injury Report

Los Angeles Dodgers:

Will Smith - Hand - 10-Day IL
Dalton Rushing - Shin - 10-Day IL
Brock Stewart - Shoulder - 15-Day IL
Roki Sasaki - Shoulder - 60-Day IL
Tony Gonsolin - Elbow - 60-Day IL
Evan Phillips - Forearm - 60-Day IL
Kyle Hurt - Elbow - 60-Day IL
Michael Grove - Shoulder - 60-Day IL
Brusdar Graterol - Shoulder - 60-Day IL
River Ryan - Elbow - 60-Day IL
Gavin Stone - Shoulder - 60-Day IL

Philadelphia Phillies:

Edmundo Sosa - Groin - Day-to-Day
Jose Alvarado - Forearm - 15-Day IL
Daniel Robert - Forearm - 60-Day IL
Trea Turner - Hamstring - 10-Day IL
Alec Bohm - Shoulder - 10-Day IL
Zack Wheeler - Blood Clot - 60-Day IL
Jordan Romano - Finger - 15-Day IL

Current Odds

Run Line: Phillies +1.5 (−193) - Dodgers -1.5 (+157)
Total: Over 8.5 (−113) - Under 8.5 (−107)
Moneyline: Phillies +112 - Dodgers −137

Final Score Prediction & Best Bets

Best Bets

Dodgers Moneyline (-137)
Over 8.5 (-113)
Kyle Schwarber 2+ Total Bases

Final Score: Dodgers 5, Phillies 4

About the author

Shubham Soni is a dedicated baseball journalist at Sportkeeda with a deep passion for Major League Baseball. Specializing in player profiles, in-depth analysis, and trade updates, He provides readers with expert insights and strategic advice to enhance their fantasy sports experience. With a keen focus on player performances, game previews, and betting trends.

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Edited by Shubham Soni

Phillies vs. Dodgers: Game 1 prediction, odds, injuries, and picks - September 15, 2025