Colorado Rockies vs Los Angeles Dodgers Picks and Predictions August 21st 2025

Colorado Rockies vs Los Angeles Dodgers August 21st 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers will visit the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field for an afternoon game. The Dodgers have a record of 72-55 and are ranked first in the NL West. They are looking to bounce back after a recent loss. Meanwhile, the Rockies hold a 37-90 record and sit at the bottom of the same division. They recently snapped a losing streak with a win.

Clayton Kershaw will start for the Dodgers. He has an ERA of 3.01 and a 7-2 win-loss record. The Rockies will counter with Chase Dollander, who has an ERA of 6.43 and a 2-9 record. The weather in Denver is expected to be clear and warm, making for a pleasant day at the ballpark. Fans can catch the game on SN LA.

Dodgers vs Rockies Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies
• Venue: Coors Field in Denver, CO
• Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
• Betting Odds: Dodgers Moneyline -262, Rockies Moneyline +216

The Dodgers Can Win If…

The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a tough loss against the Colorado Rockies, where they fell 8-3. Despite the loss, Teoscar Hernández showed power with a home run, while Miguel Rojas had two hits and drove in two runs. Freddie Freeman also contributed with a hit, maintaining his steady performance.

The Dodgers have a strong lineup that ranks high in several offensive categories. They are 2nd in slugging percentage at .440 and have hit 188 home runs, also ranking 2nd. With players like Shohei Ohtani, who has 44 home runs, the Dodgers have the ability to score runs quickly.

On the mound, Clayton Kershaw will start for the Dodgers. He has a solid ERA of 3.01 and a record of 7-2. With Kershaw’s experience and the Dodgers’ powerful offense, they have a good chance to win this game against the Rockies.

The Rockies Can Win If…

The Colorado Rockies showed their potential in their recent game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning 8-3. Hunter Goodman led the way with three hits and three RBIs. Tanner Gordon pitched six innings, allowing only one run on four hits.

The Rockies have a solid lineup with hitters like Hunter Goodman and Ezequiel Tovar. Goodman has 25 home runs this season, ranking first on the team. The Rockies are also strong in doubles, ranking 9th in the league.

The Rockies will rely on Chase Dollander, who will start against the Dodgers. Though Dollander’s ERA is 6.43, the team has shown they can support him with strong hitting. With players like Tyler Freeman and Jordan Beck, the Rockies have the offensive firepower to win.

The Lean

The Dodgers are favored to win with a moneyline of -262. The Rockies have a moneyline of +216. The Dodgers have strong hitting stats, ranking 2nd in slugging percentage and home runs. The Rockies’ pitching has struggled, with a 6.00 ERA, ranking last in the league. My model projects the Dodgers to win 8-5.

The total for the game is set at 12.0. Both teams have shown the ability to score, and the Rockies’ pitching has been weak. The Dodgers’ offense is ranked high in several categories, suggesting they can score runs. My model projects a combined score of 13, so I recommend taking the over at 12.0 (-106).

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Rockies take aim at Kershaw to clinch series vs. Dodgers

Colorado entered the week on a 10-game skid against Los Angeles but flipped the script by taking two of the first three. A Thursday matinee win would secure the four-game set and cap a 6-2 homestand in Denver. For more context around today’s board, check the latest MLB picks

Pitching matchup: Clayton Kershaw vs. Chase Dollander

The Dodgers counter with veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw (7-2, 3.01 ERA), who owns a 28-11 record and 3.27 ERA in 51 career starts against Colorado. Coors Field has been more volatile for him: 13-8 with a 4.53 ERA in 28 starts at altitude. If you’re comparing matchup histories and park effects across today’s slate, browse our rolling MLB game previews

Rookie right-hander Chase Dollander (2-9, 6.43) makes his second start this year against Los Angeles. On June 25, he allowed three runs on three hits over 5 2/3 innings before a heavy rain in the sixth led to a delay that ended his night. Replicating that early efficiency and avoiding extra baserunners will be key.

Form guide and momentum

Colorado’s youth movement continues to pay off. The Rockies are 15-16 since the All-Star break, slightly better than the Dodgers’ 14-16 mark in that span, and they’ve won five of their past six. If you’re weighing how recent form should influence a wager, our step-by-step MLB expert betting guide breaks down how to factor in small post-break samples without overreacting.

Lineup notes and what changes without Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani was struck on the right thigh by a comebacker Wednesday, stayed in, and later exited for a pinch hitter in the eighth. He’s likely out Thursday, which softens the top of the Dodgers’ order and slightly changes Colorado’s pitch-mix calculus. Rookie Kyle Karros, one of 12 Rockies to debut this season, is likely back in the lineup after sitting Wednesday and already logged his first big-league homer Tuesday.

Keys to a Rockies series win

Colorado’s path starts with stressing Kershaw early, forcing line-drive contact and deep counts that elevate pitch totals at Coors. Dollander’s first-time-through command can set the tone; five competitive frames before turning it over to the bullpen keeps the leverage innings manageable. If you want curated selections once lineups are confirmed, you can always buy premium picks from vetted cappers.

Why this one matters for Los Angeles

Los Angeles sits one game ahead of San Diego in the NL West and heads to a pivotal series in San Diego after this matinee. A clean, veteran outing from Kershaw would steady the club before the weekend. To see which experts are running hot heading into today’s card, check the best handicappers leaderboard

What to watch in-game

Keep an eye on Kershaw’s slider/curve usage to righties and whether Colorado’s right-handed bats attack early-zone strikes. For live-betting context and postgame confirmation of how the plan played out, review the latest MLB results after the final out.