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The Los Angeles Dodgers (88-68) visit the Arizona Diamondbacks (79-77) Tuesday night at Chase Field with Shohei Ohtani just one RBI away from joining the century club. Despite playing at home, the Diamondbacks enter as +136 underdogs against the favored Dodgers (-163) in this 9:40 p.m. ET showdown.
Game Information
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET / 6:40 p.m. local
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix
TV Coverage: Arizona Sports (ARID), SportsNet LA
Betting Lines: Dodgers -163, Diamondbacks +136
Run Total: 9 runs
Spread: Dodgers -1.5
The Ohtani Milestone Watch
Shohei Ohtani enters Tuesday’s contest with 99 RBIs, needing just one more to reach the 100-RBI milestone. The two-way superstar leads the Dodgers with 53 home runs while batting .283, making him a constant threat every time he steps to the plate.
For Diamondbacks fans, watching Ohtani chase history creates an interesting dynamic – you appreciate greatness while hoping it doesn’t come at your team’s expense.
Pitching Matchup: Ohtani vs Pfaadt
Shohei Ohtani Takes the Mound
In a rare treat, Ohtani gets the start for his 14th appearance of the season, bringing a 1-1 record with a 3.29 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 41⅔ innings. Seeing a player of his caliber pitch is always special, regardless of which uniform he’s wearing.
Brandon Pfaadt Looks to Continue Strong Season
Brandon Pfaadt gets the ball for his 32nd start with a solid 13-8 record. The young right-hander has been a consistent piece of Arizona’s rotation, though he faces the challenging task of containing one of baseball’s most potent offenses.
Pfaadt’s success this season has been one of the few bright spots in what’s been a frustrating year for Diamondbacks fans.
Diamondbacks Offense: Desert Power at Home
Geraldo Perdomo Leading the Way
Geraldo Perdomo paces Arizona with 97 RBIs and a team-best .290 batting average. His development into a reliable offensive contributor has been encouraging for the future.
Corbin Carroll Provides Speed and Power
Corbin Carroll leads the team with 31 home runs, showcasing the dynamic playmaking ability that made him such an exciting prospect. Playing at Chase Field typically brings out his best.
Solid Supporting Cast
Ketel Marte contributes 26 home runs while batting .280, and Gabriel Moreno adds contact hitting at .291. This Diamondbacks offense ranks 4th in baseball with 773 runs scored, proving they can compete with anyone offensively.
Dodgers’ Championship-Caliber Lineup
Star Power Throughout
Beyond Ohtani’s dominance, the Dodgers feature Freddie Freeman leading the team with a .292 average and Mookie Betts contributing 147 hits. Andy Pages adds depth with 155 hits and solid production.
This Los Angeles offense ranks 2nd in baseball with 794 runs scored and 232 home runs, creating constant pressure on opposing pitchers.
The Statistical Reality
Both teams bring impressive offensive numbers:
- Dodgers: 5.1 runs per game (2nd in MLB)
- Diamondbacks: 5.0 runs per game (4th in MLB)
- Home runs: Dodgers 232 vs Diamondbacks 209
However, Los Angeles holds pitching advantages with better strikeout rates (9.3 K/9 vs 8.0 K/9), though Arizona’s offense at home can neutralize many advantages.
Betting Analysis
The Diamondbacks have performed well as underdogs this season, going 33-66 (50%) when not favored. When facing similar odds (+136 or higher), they’ve gone 8-6, suggesting they can compete when expectations are low.
The Dodgers have been solid as favorites but not overwhelming at 79-59 (57.2%).
The 9-run total makes sense given both teams’ offensive firepower, with both clubs going over roughly 46-48% of the time.
Key Injuries Impact
Both teams face significant pitching depth issues. The Dodgers miss several key arms including Evan Phillips and Tony Gonsolin, while Arizona continues without Corbin Burnes and A.J. Puk.
These bullpen limitations could lead to a higher-scoring affair if either starter struggles.
Home Field Advantage
Chase Field’s hitter-friendly environment should benefit both offenses, particularly during evening games when the ball carries well. This could be the type of game where the home team’s familiarity with conditions makes a difference.
Game Prediction
Final Score: Diamondbacks 7, Dodgers 6
Total: Over 9 runs
While the Dodgers bring superior talent and Ohtani’s two-way excellence, playing at Chase Field creates opportunities for Arizona’s explosive offense. The Diamondbacks’ success as underdogs this season suggests they’re capable of pulling off the upset.
Both pitching staffs face injury concerns, and the offensive firepower on both sides should produce plenty of runs. This projects as exactly the type of entertaining, back-and-forth game that makes September baseball compelling.
Arizona’s home field advantage and desperate need for wins to stay above .500 could provide the extra motivation needed to spoil Ohtani’s milestone chase, at least for one night.
Gooo D-backs!
