The NLDS showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres is packed with star players. After games 1 and 2, we think Game 3 is set to be an exciting matchup.
With Walker Buehler taking the mound for the Dodgers and Michael King pitching for the Padres, there are plenty of intriguing player props to take a look at if you want to load up your bet slip.
Odds: -165
Despite a rough season, Walker Buehler has always been reliable in the postseason — plus we always like to kick it off with an easy bet.
While he’s had a down year with a 5.14 ERA, Buehler has performed decently against the Padres in the past, with a career ERA of 1.80 and 79 strikeouts against them.
More importantly, Buehler has a knack for showing up in big games.
Given that the Padres are a team prone to strikeouts (ranking first in the league with 1,077 strikeouts this season), Buehler clearing 2.5 strikeouts looks like an easy bet.
His ability to rise to the occasion in the playoffs, combined with San Diego’s strikeout tendencies, makes this a home run for some quick cash.
Odds: +105
Michael King has been the Padres’ ace this season. He’s notched a stellar 2.74 ERA and 201 strikeouts.
He's been particularly dominant at home and has already racked up 13 strikeouts so far in the playoffs.
King also matches up well against the Dodgers, having recorded a 2.82 ERA against them.
Given the Dodgers' tendency to strike out (currently averaging 8.6 Ks per game), King reaching 6 strikeouts seems like he’s going to blow through that, especially with the momentum of a strong home crowd. At plus odds, this bet offers solid value and a quick way to load up your bankroll.
Odds: -105
Fernando Tatis Jr. has been a force in this series and has consistently been a clutch performer at Petco Park.
With 9 hits and 5 RBIs in the postseason, he’s streaking the right way heading into this game.
Tatis has recorded two or more total bases in each of the Padres' last seven home games, and with his power and ability to find the gaps, betting on him to clear 1.5 total bases feels like a good move.
Plus, with Buehler struggling this season, Tatis is looking really good to take advantage of the opportunity.
Odds: -215
Freddie Freeman has been a steady presence in the Dodgers' lineup, and he’s stepped up in big moments throughout his career.
He has recorded at least one RBI in each of his last five playoff games as an underdog, and with Walker Buehler expected to struggle, the Dodgers will likely lean on their offense to keep the game close.
Freeman has already notched a double in each of his last four road games against NL West opponents, making him a strong candidate to rack up at least 2+ total bases in this game.
Odds: -205
Xander Bogaerts has been a key contributor for the Padres. He consistently drives in runs when needed.
He’s recorded at least one RBI in seven of the last eight games against the Dodgers, and with Buehler not at his best this season, Bogaerts is looking like he will continue that trend.
Given his ability to come through in clutch moments, especially in the postseason, the prop for Bogaerts to drive in at least one run feels like an easy choice, even with the heavier juice.
Game 3 between the Dodgers and Padres has all the makings of an intense playoff battle. We’re just as excited to watch playoff baseball as we are for the bets.
On top of that, these player prop bets highlight some of the key matchups to watch.
Walker Buehler and Michael King are under pressure, and their strikeout totals should reflect that. Meanwhile, the hot bats of Fernando Tatis Jr., Freddie Freeman, and Xander Bogaerts will likely decide the outcome at the plate.
With the Dodgers hoping to bounce back and the Padres looking to extend their series lead, expect these players to play pivotal roles in determining the winner of this extremely important Game 3 of the NLDS.