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The Los Angeles Dodgers (89-69) return to Chase Field Thursday afternoon to face the Arizona Diamondbacks (80-78) in what could finally be the day Shohei Ohtani reaches his 100th RBI milestone. With the Dodgers favored at -159 for this 3:40 p.m. ET matinee, Arizona gets another chance to play spoiler against one of baseball’s elite teams.
Game Information
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 3:40 p.m. ET / 12:40 p.m. local
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix
TV Coverage: MLB Network, Arizona Sports (ARID), SportsNet LA
Betting Lines: Dodgers -159, Diamondbacks +131
Run Total: 8.5 runs
Spread: Dodgers -1.5
Pitching Matchup: Yamamoto vs Beeks
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Brings Elite Stuff
Yoshinobu Yamamoto takes the mound for his 30th start with an 11-8 record and outstanding 2.58 ERA across 167⅔ innings. His 194 strikeouts demonstrate the kind of dominant stuff that made him one of the most coveted international free agents.
Yamamoto represents the type of ace-caliber pitcher who can neutralize even the most potent offenses when he’s locked in.
Jalen Beeks Gets Opportunity
The Diamondbacks counter with Jalen Beeks for just his second start of the season. The left-hander faces a significant challenge against one of baseball’s best lineups, but these opportunities allow young players to gain valuable experience.
Beeks will need to be efficient and attack the strike zone against a Dodgers offense that can punish mistakes quickly.
Diamondbacks Offense: Staying Above .500
Geraldo Perdomo’s Consistent Production
Geraldo Perdomo continues leading Arizona with 98 RBIs and a .290 batting average. His development into a reliable offensive contributor has been one of the season’s positives for Diamondbacks fans.
Corbin Carroll’s Power Display
Corbin Carroll paces the team with 31 home runs, providing the dynamic playmaking that makes him Arizona’s most exciting offensive weapon. Afternoon games at Chase Field typically favor his aggressive approach.
Supporting Cast Contributes
Ketel Marte adds 26 home runs while batting .284, and Gabriel Moreno provides steady contact at .288. This Diamondbacks offense ranks 4th in baseball with 782 runs scored, proving they can compete offensively with elite teams.
Dodgers’ Star-Studded Lineup
Ohtani’s Milestone Chase Continues
Shohei Ohtani remains stuck at 99 RBIs, one short of the century mark. His 53 home runs while batting .281 represent historic two-way excellence that’s captivated baseball fans worldwide.
Championship-Level Depth
Freddie Freeman leads the team with a .291 batting average, while Mookie Betts contributes 151 hits with consistent production. Andy Pages adds 156 hits with a .465 slugging percentage.
This Dodgers offense ranks 2nd in baseball with 803 runs scored and 235 home runs, creating constant threats throughout their lineup.
Statistical Breakdown
Both teams bring impressive offensive numbers:
- Runs per game: Dodgers 5.1 vs Diamondbacks 5.0
- Home runs: Dodgers 235 vs Diamondbacks 210
- Team batting average: Dodgers .253 vs Diamondbacks .252
Los Angeles holds clear pitching advantages with their 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings (2nd in MLB) compared to Arizona’s 8.0 (23rd).
Betting Analysis
Arizona has performed exceptionally well in this specific underdog range, going 11-8 (57.9%) when facing odds of +131 or higher. This trend suggests the Diamondbacks compete better when expectations are lowered.
The Dodgers have been solid but not dominant as favorites, going 52-40 (56.5%) when favored at similar odds.
The 8.5-run total reflects both teams’ offensive capabilities, with Arizona going over 76 times and Los Angeles going over 73 times this season.
Key Injuries
Both teams continue dealing with pitching depth issues. The Dodgers miss several key relievers including Kirby Yates and Evan Phillips, while Arizona remains without season-long absences like Corbin Burnes.
These bullpen concerns could impact late-game situations if the contest remains close.
Afternoon Baseball at Chase Field
Day games at Chase Field can create challenging conditions for visiting teams unfamiliar with the desert environment. The Diamondbacks’ experience playing afternoon baseball at home provides a subtle but real advantage.
Game Prediction
Final Score: Diamondbacks 6, Dodgers 5
Total: Over 8.5 runs
Arizona’s strong performance as underdogs in this odds range, combined with their home field advantage and Yamamoto facing a lineup that’s seen him before, creates value on the home team. Both offenses should find success against pitching staffs dealing with bullpen limitations.
The Diamondbacks’ fight to finish above .500 provides additional motivation against a Dodgers team that’s already secured their playoff positioning. Sometimes teams playing with nothing to lose can surprise superior opponents, and Chase Field could be the site of another upset.
Both teams have enough firepower to push this total over 8.5 runs in what should be an entertaining offensive showcase.
Go D-backs!
