The Los Angeles Dodgers travel to Coors Field on Monday, August 18, 2025, to face the Colorado Rockies in an NL West showdown. The Dodgers continue to pace the division with one of the most complete rosters in baseball, while the Rockies remain mired near the bottom of the standings but have shown flashes of fight, especially at home where the thin Denver air can turn any contest into a slugfest. With playoff implications for Los Angeles and the spoiler role for Colorado, this opener at altitude promises intrigue.
Team Analysis
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers enter this matchup with one of the league’s best records, leaning on elite pitching depth and a relentless lineup. Freddie Freeman continues to be a model of consistency, while Shohei Ohtani has given them both power and speed in the middle of the order. Young stars like Will Smith and Mookie Betts have kept the lineup dynamic, while the back end of the bullpen, anchored by Evan Phillips, has done just enough to preserve wins.
On the mound, Los Angeles sends out Bobby Miller, who has flashed ace potential when his command is on point. Miller’s fastball-slider combo plays up, but pitching at Coors Field is a different animal—location and stamina will be key to navigating through Colorado’s opportunistic hitters.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies, despite a tough season, always seem to punch above their weight at home. Ezequiel Tovar has developed into a steady presence at shortstop, while Ryan McMahon remains the power anchor at third. Colorado’s young bats have shown they can jump on mistakes, and Coors Field rewards aggressive swings.
Pitching is always the challenge for Colorado, and tonight Ryan Feltner draws the unenviable assignment of facing one of baseball’s deepest lineups in the league’s most hitter-friendly park. Feltner’s ERA has been inflated at home, and the Dodgers’ ability to draw walks could push him out early.
Key Factors to Watch
- Coors Effect: Runs pile up quickly in Denver; the Dodgers’ power bats could put this game away early.
- Pitching Matchup: Bobby Miller has swing-and-miss stuff but must adjust to the thin air; Feltner will need to avoid free passes to limit damage.
- Lineup Depth: The Dodgers’ 1–9 order is far superior, giving them the edge in high-leverage situations.
Best Bets
- Pick: Dodgers -1.5 (Run Line). Their offense is too deep, and Miller’s stuff should give them a cushion.
- Total Pick: Over 10.5. Coors Field always pushes the number high, but with both lineups capable of putting up crooked innings, the over still has value.
- Player Prop: Freddie Freeman to Record 2+ Total Bases. Freeman’s line-drive approach plays perfectly in Denver’s spacious gaps.
