Los Angeles Dodgers vs Houston Astros Picks and Predictions July 5th 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers vs Houston Astros July 5th 2025

The Houston Astros travel to Dodger Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, July 5, 2025. The game is set for a 7:15 PM start and will be broadcast on FOX. Fans can expect clear skies and a light breeze during this night game.

The Astros, led by manager Joe Espada, hold a 52-35 record. They have been strong at home but face a challenge on the road with a 20-21 record. Framber Valdez will start for Houston, bringing a 9-4 record and a 2.73 ERA. The Dodgers, managed by Dave Roberts, have a 56-32 record. They have excelled at home with a 33-14 record. Shohei Ohtani will start for Los Angeles, boasting a 2.25 ERA.

Astros vs Dodgers Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
• Venue: Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA
• Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025
• Betting Odds: Astros Moneyline +123, Dodgers Moneyline -145, Astros Runline +1.5 (-172), Dodgers Runline -1.5 (+143), Total Over 8.5 (-105), Total Under 8.5 (-115)

The Astros Can Win If…

The Houston Astros are coming off a significant 18-1 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jose Altuve led the charge with two home runs and five RBIs, while Christian Walker and Victor Caratini also contributed with home runs. Lance McCullers Jr. pitched six solid innings, allowing only one run, which sets a positive tone for the next game.

The Astros have a strong batting average of .258, ranking second in the league. Their on-base percentage is .321, placing them seventh, which shows their ability to get on base. With a solid pitching staff that holds a 3.53 ERA, ranked fifth, they have the tools to keep the Dodgers’ hitters in check.

Framber Valdez will start for the Astros, bringing an impressive 2.73 ERA and a 9-4 record. His ability to control games with a 1.13 WHIP gives the Astros confidence on the mound. The combination of strong pitching and consistent hitting makes the Astros a tough opponent for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers Can Win If…

The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a tough loss to the Houston Astros, falling 18-1. Despite the loss, Will Smith shined with a home run and an RBI. The Dodgers will look to bounce back with Shohei Ohtani taking the mound, who has a strong ERA of 2.25.

Key stats show the Dodgers lead the league in batting average at .262 and home runs with 138. Their lineup features power hitters like Shohei Ohtani, who has hit 30 home runs this season. With players like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, the Dodgers have a balanced offense that can score runs.

Shohei Ohtani will be a key player in the upcoming game. He not only excels as a pitcher but also leads the team with 30 home runs. The Dodgers’ ability to strike out batters, ranking sixth in the league, will be crucial against the Astros.

The Lean

The Dodgers are favored with a moneyline of -145, while the Astros are at +123. The Dodgers have strong hitting stats, ranking first in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and home runs. With their superior offensive and pitching stats, my model projects the Dodgers to win 5-3. The recommendation is to pick the Dodgers to win straight up.

The total line is set at 8.5 runs, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. The Dodgers’ powerful offense and the Astros’ solid pitching suggest a competitive game. My model projects a total of 8 runs. Therefore, the recommendation is to take the under 8.5 runs.

Score a Homerun!

With our Premium Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

Ohtani’s Fourth Start on His Birthday

Shohei Ohtani’s journey toward reclaiming a full-time role in the Dodgers’ rotation continues Saturday, when he takes the mound against the Houston Astros on his 31st birthday. After missing most of 2023 following elbow surgery, Ohtani has made three appearances since his return last month—all of them brief, carefully monitored outings. He’s logged one inning in each of his first two starts, then extended to two innings last Saturday versus Kansas City, throwing 27 pitches with a top velocity of 101.7 mph.
For those looking for expert perspective on game-day strategy, be sure to explore our comprehensive MLB preview guide here: MLB previews and analysis.

Facing Houston’s Offensive Firepower

Ohtani will be challenged by an Astros lineup that pummeled Los Angeles 18–1 in Friday’s opener. Houston crushed five homers and tallied 11 extra-base hits, highlighted by Isaac Paredes’ leadoff blast and a two-homer game from José Altuve. Christian Walker’s sixth straight long ball at Dodger Stadium fueled a historic 10-run sixth inning, punctuated by Victor Caratini’s grand slam. As the Dodgers regroup, handicappers can find the latest expert picks and projections here: Top MLB picks.

Astros Counter with Framber Valdez

On the bump for Houston is left-hander Framber Valdez (9–4, 2.72 ERA), riding a personal 10-start win streak. Valdez delivered six scoreless innings in his most recent outing, a 2–0 victory over the Cubs, and has posted a 1.72 ERA over that span. In three career starts versus Los Angeles, he’s 1–1 with a 4.60 ERA, including a six-plus inning shutout on July 26, 2024. For a deeper dive into advanced tactics and pitching breakdowns, check out our expert betting guide: MLB strategy explained.

October Aspirations and Work in Progress

Though still on a strict innings limit—projected at two frames for Saturday—Ohtani and the Dodgers are eyeing October, when they hope he’ll log at least five innings per start. “I feel good about the progress and the doctor is confident I’ll be back in full form,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. He added that fine-tuning his mechanics remains a priority as he ramps back up for postseason duty.

Betting Outlook and Handicapping Resources

With both starters in mid-season form yet still working through their workloads, this matchup offers intriguing angles for bettors. Whether you’re shopping for sharp tail-shares or considering a personalized pick, our buy-in service provides curated selections tailored to your needs: Buy expert picks. And for a real-time look at the top performers in our community, be sure to visit our leaderboard of leading handicappers: Best MLB handicappers.