The Miami Marlins, with a current record of 13-15, are set to visit the Los Angeles Dodgers, who hold a record of 19-9. The game will take place at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28, 2026, at 10:10 PM. The Marlins, ranked second in the NL East, are looking to break a two-game losing streak, while the Dodgers sit atop the NL West with a two-game winning streak.
Manager Clayton McCullough will guide the Marlins as they aim to improve their 3-9 road record. With recent losses against the San Francisco Giants, the Marlins’ offense has struggled, despite a standout performance by Graham Pauley in their most recent game. The Dodgers, managed by Dave Roberts, have shown strength at home with an 11-4 record and will look to continue their momentum after consecutive wins against the Chicago Cubs.
The weather forecast for the night game is mild with a clear sky, offering ideal conditions for baseball. Both teams will have to consider the light breeze blowing in when planning their strategies. With the Dodgers favored at -297 on the moneyline, the Marlins will need to leverage their coaching staff, including hitting coach Pedro Guerrero and pitching coach Daniel Moskos, to challenge the Dodgers’ home advantage.
Dodgers vs Marlins At a Glance
- Team Records: Miami Marlins (13-15) vs Los Angeles Dodgers (19-9)
- Stadium Location: UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
- Weather: Clear sky with a mild breeze
- Game Time: April 28, 2026, at 10:10 PM ET
- TV Broadcast: SN LA
- Odds: Dodgers favored at -297, Marlins at +240
The Dodgers Prepare for a Showdown Against the Miami Marlins
Miami Marlins Offense Overview
The Miami Marlins are stepping onto the field with a 13-15 record, placing them second in the NL East. Despite their current standing, the Marlins have notable weaknesses, particularly with pitches on the lower left-hand corner of the strike zone. With a batting average of just .179 in those areas, this is significantly below the MLB average.
The Marlins’ struggles when behind in the count are also apparent. Their batting average plummets to .183 when facing two-strike counts, which could be a critical factor for the Dodgers’ pitching strategy.
Key Players to Watch
Janson Junk is set to take the mound for the Marlins, with a 1-2 record and a 3.67 ERA this season. His performance will be crucial as he faces a Dodgers lineup eager to exploit any pitching vulnerabilities.
Offensively, the Marlins will rely on their lineup to overcome their pitching challenges. While the team has had some success at the plate, they must improve their approach to pitches they traditionally struggle with.
Pitching Strategy
Right-handed pitchers are expected to fare well against the Marlins, given their issues with pitches on the left-hand corner of the plate. This advantage could be pivotal for the Dodgers’ strategy, particularly with Shohei Ohtani taking the mound.
Ohtani’s ability to pitch effectively against the Marlins’ lineup might hinge on his use of backdoor sliders, a pitch type that has historically challenged Miami hitters.
Team Betting Trends
- The Marlins are hitting .179 on pitches located on the lower left-hand side of the strike zone.
- They have a .183 batting average when in two-strike counts.
- The Marlins prefer to be ahead in the count but struggle when behind.
- Right-handed pitchers, such as Ohtani, could have success against the Marlins.
- The Dodgers’ pitching staff can exploit these trends to gain an edge in the series.
Marlins Swim into Dodger Territory: A Key Series for Miami
Team Overview
The Miami Marlins are currently navigating a tough patch with a 13-15 record. They have demonstrated competitive play, sitting second in the NL East, but trail the Atlanta Braves by 6 1/2 games. The upcoming series against the Los Angeles Dodgers will test their resilience, especially after a recent series loss to the San Francisco Giants.
Miami’s lineup has shown potential, particularly in their strong batting average, which ranks 6th in the league at .255. However, their slugging percentage of .386 suggests a need for more power in their hits to convert opportunities into runs. The team’s ability to generate extra-base hits will be crucial against a strong Dodgers pitching staff.
Pitching Performance
The Marlins’ pitching staff has an ERA of 4.04, placing them 15th in the league, indicating room for improvement on the mound. Their opponents have a batting average of .223 against them, which ranks an impressive 5th, showcasing the staff’s ability to limit hits. However, with 27 home runs allowed, the Marlins will need to tighten up their long-ball defense.
Janson Junk will take the mound against the Dodgers, coming off a 1-2 record with a 3.67 ERA and 17 strikeouts. His performance will be pivotal in keeping the Dodgers’ potent lineup at bay. Junk’s ability to maintain a low WHIP of 1.15 suggests he can effectively manage baserunners, a skill that will be crucial in this matchup.
Key Players to Watch
Xavier Edwards stands out with a .343 batting average and a .425 OBP, leading the team in runs scored. His consistency at the plate provides a spark for the Marlins’ offense, making him a player to watch against the Dodgers. Edwards’ role as a table-setter will be vital in providing scoring opportunities for the middle of the lineup.
Liam Hicks, with a .314 average and 5 home runs, has been a significant contributor to the Marlins’ offense. His power and ability to drive in runs, evidenced by his team-leading 24 RBIs, could be the difference-maker in tight games. Hicks’ performance in the heart of the order will be crucial in capitalizing on any scoring chances.
Team Betting Trends
- SU in Away Games: 3-9 (25.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 2-9 (18.2%)
- Runline in Away Games: 4-8 (33.3%)
- O/U in Away Games: 9-3 (75.0%)
- Runline when Scoring 5+: 10-2 (83.3%)
Final Thoughts
As they head into Los Angeles, the Marlins will face a formidable opponent in Shohei Ohtani, who boasts a 0.38 ERA. The matchup will require a disciplined approach at the plate and a strategic game plan from the Marlins to counteract Ohtani’s dominance. With a strong defensive showing and timely hitting, Miami could make a statement in this series.
The Marlins’ ability to bounce back from recent losses will be essential in maintaining their position in the standings. This series against the Dodgers provides a significant opportunity for the team to demonstrate their growth and determination as they continue their 2026 campaign.
Dodgers vs Marlins Prediction: Dodgers -156
The Los Angeles Dodgers come into this game with a strong 19-9 record, sitting first in the NL West. They have been dominant at home with an 11-4 record and face a Miami Marlins team that struggles on the road with a 3-9 record. The Dodgers have also been effective in night games, boasting a 14-6 record under the lights.
Shohei Ohtani will start for the Dodgers, carrying a stellar 0.38 ERA and 0.75 WHIP, indicating his dominance on the mound. On the other hand, the Marlins’ Janson Junk has a respectable 3.67 ERA, but the Dodgers’ lineup, which leads the league in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, presents a formidable challenge.
The Marlins have had difficulties with their bullpen and defensive catching, allowing the most stolen bases in the majors, which could be exploited by the Dodgers’ aggressive base-running. Given the Dodgers’ strong home form, Ohtani’s pitching, and the Marlins’ road struggles, the Dodgers are favored to win this encounter.
Considering the Dodgers’ offensive prowess and Ohtani’s effectiveness on the mound, a projected final score of Dodgers 6 – Marlins 1 seems fitting, highlighting the disparity between the two teams.
- Dodgers vs Marlins Prediction: Dodgers -156
- Dodgers vs Marlins Score: Dodgers 6 – Marlins 1
