Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction: Can the Bats Get to Luke Weaver, Tony Gonsolin?
The Cincinnati Reds host the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-game series starting tonight. Can the bats get to Luke Weaver and Tony Gonsolin? Oddschecker handicapper Krabs answers.
Krabs - June 6, 2023, 4:10 PM EDT
5 minCincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction: Can the Bats Get to Luke Weaver, Tony Gonsolin?
Today is a monumental day for Cincinnati Reds fans. MLB’s fourth-ranked prospect, Elly De La Cruz, is making his major league debut. After tearing up the minor leagues, the Reds had no choice but to call up their top prospect. Tonight, he will be facing one of the best pitchers in baseball over the past two years, Tony Gonsolin.
Debatably the most underrated starting pitcher in baseball, Gonsolin has allowed just four runs over his previous four starts. Unfortunately for the veteran right-hander, the total tonight is set at 10.5. Obviously, the total will be relatively high, with the game being played at one of the more hitter-friendly ballparks in MLB. Gonsolin has a sub-2.00 ERA, and Luke Weaver was solid in May; why is this total so high?
Reds vs. Dodgers Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, June 6, 2023
- Start Time: 7:10 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction
The high total paired with the fifty-cent line move (-240 to -190) on the Dodgers to win this game gives me a reason to believe that this impressive young Reds offense might heat back up tonight. With the addition of Elly De La Cruz, this overperforming Reds team that’s 33-27 to the over on the season just got even more dangerous.
The Reds are cutting right to the chase and plugging De La Cruz into the four-hole for his major league debut. Jake Fraley is back in the lineup after a night off, a huge plus for the Cincinnati offense. This offense can produce some runs against Gonsolin, who’s struggled with his command of late. The Reds have the fifth most walks in baseball and will drive Gonsolin’s pitch count up. I’d be surprised if he pitches into the sixth inning tonight.
There’s something about this Reds team that’s different than most years. This young core finds a way to win and has kept themselves hanging around in the wild card race for longer than most expected. Winners of six of their last ten games, it would be very “on brand” for the Reds to shine in De La Cruz’s MLB debut.
Luke Weaver has pitched a little too well recently and somehow finagled his way out of a seven-hit outing against the Boston Red Sox, where he only allowed three runs. Weaver’s main problem is the long ball. He’s given up two or more home runs in half of his starts this season. The Dodgers thrive off the long ball, second in baseball with over 100 on the season already. Expect Mookie Betts and the rest of this stacked lineup to hit at least three or four home runs tonight themselves.
Back the over between two above-average offenses in what could end up looking more like a Home Run Derby tonight. Not only is this bet sharp, but we also get to back Elly De La Cruz in his MLB debut.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Pick
LAD/CIN o10.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
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