Dodgers vs. Guardians prediction and odds for Wednesday, Aug. 23 (Kershaw shines)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have opened up an 11.5-game lead in the National League West as the talent of the club has rose to the top.
The team has starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (11-4, 2.48 ERA) on the mound for his third start this month since returning from the injured list. Kershaw has thrown 10 innings in August, allowing just two earned runs.
The future Hall of Famer will be opposed by Cleveland Guardians starter Xzavion Curry (3-1, 3.24 ERA), who has worked as a starter and out of the bullpen in 2023.
In his three starts in August, Curry has a 4.50 ERA and 3.46 Fielding Independent Pitching.
As expected, oddsmakers have set the Dodgers as massive favorites with Kershaw on the mound. The team is 13-5 in his starts this season, but can they rack up another win on Wednesday?
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The Dodgers have been one of the best teams at covering the run line in Major League Baseball this season, going 69-55 (55.7 percent), and I expect them to do that again on Wednesday.
This is a dream matchup for Kershaw, who has been elite when healthy in 2023.
Cleveland’s offense is terrible against lefties: The Guardians rank dead last in Major League Baseball in OPS against left-handed pitching, so Kershaw should make quick work of this lineup all night.
Not only that, but the Guardians have struggled overall over the last 15 days, ranking 26th in the league in OPS over that stretch. I can’t get behind this team to score enough to stay in this with Kershaw on the bump.
Curry has been good for Cleveland this season, but the team is just 2-4 in the six games he’s started this season. Curry may be able to give them some more length today now that he’s made three straight starts, but he’s going to have shut down a Dodgers offense that is among the best in baseball.
This season, Los Angeles ranks No. 3 in OPS, No. 3 in runs scored and No. 2 in home runs. Those numbers significantly outrank Cleveland, and it’s a big reason why the Dodgers have opened up such a big lead in the NL West.
Roll with the Dodgers to cover the run line for the 70th time this season on Wednesday.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Find Peter Dewey's betting record here.
