Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions April 26th 2025

Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers Aim to Bounce Back vs. Pirates After Recent Struggles

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers will look to regroup and regain momentum as they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, in the pivotal second game of their three-game series at Dodger Stadium.

Ohtani, a three-time MVP and one of baseball’s most electrifying stars, has hit a rough patch at the plate. Since returning from a short absence to celebrate the birth of his first child, Ohtani is just 2-for-16 with six strikeouts. His season numbers — a .250 batting average and .814 OPS — remain solid by many standards but fall short of the superstar’s typically lofty expectations.

Despite launching six home runs and scoring 23 runs, Ohtani has tallied just eight RBIs — an unusually low figure for a player of his caliber. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered his perspective on the slump, noting, “I don’t know if he’s trying to do something, trying too hard. There’s a couple of walks in there. But there’s other times where he’s getting himself out instead of taking a walk if given to him.”

The Dodgers’ offensive woes were further exposed on Friday night against Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes, who stifled Los Angeles with six shutout innings, allowing five hits and striking out nine in a 3-0 Pittsburgh win. Ohtani went 0-for-4, and the Dodgers were shut out for just the second time this season.

Roki Sasaki Looks to Provide a Spark on the Mound

Japan’s rising star Roki Sasaki will take the ball for the Dodgers on Saturday, seeking his first major league win. The rookie right-hander (0-1, 3.20 ERA) continues to show promise. In his most recent outing, Sasaki pitched six innings of two-hit ball against the Texas Rangers, allowing two runs but taking a tough-luck 4-3 loss.

Interestingly, Sasaki’s fastball velocity dipped early in that start, registering at 92 mph compared to his usual 97 mph. Yet the rookie made smart mechanical adjustments mid-game, which helped him recover velocity and finish strong.

“My command of my fastball and my offspeed were pretty good, so I’m really happy with that,” Sasaki shared through an interpreter. “I was able to really kind of dig into what I needed to do and make some mechanical changes.”

His ability to adjust on the fly is a promising sign as he continues to transition to MLB competition. Our blog delivers in-depth picks, predictions, and matchup breakdowns to keep you ahead of the game.

Mitch Keller Hopes to Build on Pirates’ Hot Streak

The Pirates will counter with right-hander Mitch Keller (1-2, 4.18 ERA), who started strong this season but has posted a 4.91 ERA over his last four outings. In his latest start, Keller allowed two runs over five innings in a no-decision against the Cleveland Guardians.

Historically, Keller has struggled against the Dodgers, going 2-3 with a 7.54 ERA across five starts. However, he can draw confidence from Skenes’ masterclass on Friday, which provided a blueprint for neutralizing Los Angeles’ heavy hitters.

Pittsburgh has also been on a roll in Southern California, posting a 3-1 record so far on their road swing against the Angels and Dodgers.

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Oneil Cruz Shines Despite Injury Concern

A bright spot for the Pirates has been shortstop Oneil Cruz, who continues to crush the baseball at elite levels. Cruz stayed red-hot on Friday, lacing a 117.6-mph RBI single and scoring two runs.

He showed minor signs of discomfort after the blistering hit but remained in the game after a quick check from the trainers. Cruz had already belted homers in his last two games against the Angels and hit a 119.6-mph laser in Thursday’s series finale.

“He’s not going outside the zone, and he got the barrel on the ball,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton praised. Cruz’s approach at the plate — staying disciplined and attacking hittable pitches — has elevated his offensive production to new heights.

What to Watch For on Saturday

• Ohtani’s Adjustment: Can the superstar find his rhythm and stop pressing at the plate?
• Sasaki’s Growth: Will the Dodgers’ rookie build on his mechanical improvements and secure his first win?
• Pirates’ Consistency: Can Mitch Keller replicate Skenes’ success and help Pittsburgh take control of the series?
• Cruz’s Health: Will Cruz continue to be a major spark plug for the Pirates without lingering side effects from Friday’s discomfort?

With young stars and MVP talent all sharing the spotlight, Saturday’s matchup promises plenty of intrigue for baseball fans. Check our Handicappers Leaderboard for 2025 for reliable sports betting picks and in-depth handicapper performance data.