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

The LA Dodgers (78-59) travel to Pittsburgh on Tuesday to take on the Pirates (61-77) in a three-game series at PNC Park. The Dodgers are 6-4 in their last 10 games and will look to stop the Padres overtake them in the NL West standings.

Dodgers legendary pitcher Clayton Kershaw (9-2, 3.06 ERA) will be tasked to underwhelm the Pirates hitters. The Pirates will counter with Carmen Mlodzinski, a right-hander sporting a 3-7 record and 3.86 ERA (1.32 WHIP).

Pirates vs. Dodgers: Game 1 Betting Odds & Trends

Moneyline: Dodgers -182 to -187; Pirates +151

Run Line: Dodgers -1.5 at approximately -110

Total (O/U): 8.5 runs (Over -105 to -106 / Under -115)

Trends:

Dodgers are 30-11 against the Pirates this season (6-1 in their last 7).
Pirates are 4-1 in their last 5 games overall and against the spread.
Forebet projects a 56% win probability for the Dodgers.

Pirates vs. Dodgers: Game 1 Injury report

Pittsburgh Pirates

Ronny Simon, Dislocated shoulder, 10-Day IL, No timetable for return

Justin Lawrence, Elbow inflammation, 60-Day IL, Rehab assignment (8/19)

Enmanuel Valdez, Shoulder surgery (left), 60-Day IL, Out for 2025 season

Jared Jones, Elbow surgery, 60-Day IL, Out for 2025 season

Endy Rodríguez, Ulnar nerve transposition surgery, 60-Day IL, Out for 2025 season

LA Dodgers

Tommy Edman, Sprained ankle, 10-Day IL, Rehab assignment (week of 9/1)

Max Muncy, Strained oblique, 10-Day IL, Rehab assignment (week of 9/1)

Brock Stewart, Shoulder inflammation, 15-Day IL, No timetable for return

Alex Vesia, Strained oblique, 15-Day IL, Rehab assignment (week of 9/1)

Kyle Hurt, Tommy John surgery, 60-Day IL, Rehab assignment (9/2)

River Ryan, Tommy John surgery, 60-Day IL, Out for 2025 season

Gavin Stone, Shoulder surgery, 60-Day IL, Out for 2025 season

Brusdar Graterol, Shoulder surgery (labrum), 60-Day IL, Questionable for 2025 season

Michael Grove, Shoulder surgery, 60-Day IL, Out for 2025 season

Roki Sasaki, Shoulder impingement, 60-Day IL, Rehab assignment (8/14)

Evan Phillips, Tommy John surgery, 60-Day IL, Out for 2025 season

Tony Gonsolin, Elbow surgery (internal brace), 60-Day IL, Out for 2025 season

Expected Lineups

Dodgers (Projected)

DH: Shohei Ohtani (L)
SS: Mookie Betts (R)
1B: Freddie Freeman (L)
C: Will Smith (R)
RF: Trea Hernández (R)
LF: Michael Conforto (L)
CF: Andy Pages (R)
2B: Hyeseong Kim (L) (just activated off the injured list)
3B: Austin Freeland (S)

Pirates (Projected)

SS: Jared Triolo (R)
1B: Spencer Horwitz (L)
RF: Bryan Reynolds (S)
LF: Tommy Pham (R)
2B: Nick Gonzales (R)
DH: Andrew McCutchen (R)
CF: Oneil Cruz (L)
C: Henry Davis (R)
3B: Cam Devanney (R)

Pirates vs. Dodgers: Game 1 Prediction & Pick

Clayton Kershaw's presence on the mound gives the Dodgers a big edge against the Pirates, who have lacked consistency, while their bullpen struggles are no secret. So, the edge firmly belongs to the visitors.

Prediction: Dodgers 8, Pirates 1

Best Bet: Take the Over 8.5 runs

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

Know More

Edited by Bhargav

Pirates vs. Dodgers: Game 1 prediction, lineup, odds, injuries, and picks - September 2, 2025