Monday’s MLB late slate features an NL West showdown in San Diego between the Padres (28-18) and Los Angeles Dodgers (29-18). Both teams enter the series opener after completing three-game sweeps over the weekend, with the Dodgers riding a five-game winning streak.
Not only is this a matchup between two of the top teams in MLB, but Monday night also features a marquee pitching duel. 2025 All-Star and NL Cy Young finalist Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled to take the mound for the Dodgers, while veteran right-hander Michael King and his 2.63 ERA are set to start for the Padres.
Both the Dodgers and Padres made the playoffs last season and are trending in the right direction again in 2026. This series should provide an early measuring stick for two clubs expected to compete for NL supremacy.
Dodgers vs. Padres Current Odds
As the defending back-to-back World Series champions, the Dodgers continue to carry high expectations every night. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists Los Angeles as a road favorite after the team outscored the Angels 31-3 over the weekend:
- Moneyline: Dodgers -145, Padres +120
- Run Line: Dodgers -1.5 (+120), Padres +1.5 (-145)
- Total (Runs): Over 7.5 (+100), Under 7.5 (-120)
Despite a tight NL West race last season, when the Padres finished just three games behind the Dodgers, and another close battle this year with Los Angeles holding a 0.5-game lead entering Monday, the Dodgers remain heavy favorites to win the division at -1600 odds.
Dodgers vs. Padres Picks & Predictions for May 18
It may only be May, but this Dodgers-Padres matchup has the feel of playoff baseball. Sign up with Hard Rock Bet and check out the Stats Hub for baseball betting insights and trends surrounding both teams and their players, including these featured picks for Monday night:
Dodgers vs. Padres Best Bet: Teoscar Hernández Over 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBI
Teoscar Hernández continues to stay hot in May, entering Monday with a .327 batting average for the month. The veteran outfielder is riding a five-game hitting streak and has collected nine hits in his last 20 at-bats.
Hernández has also scored a run in each game during that span and has totaled six RBIs. Given his recent production, his plus-money Hits+Runs+RBI prop is worth considering Monday night.
- Dodgers vs. Padres Player Prop Pick for May 18: Teoscar Hernández Over 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBI (+135)
Dodgers vs. Padres Best Bet: Gavin Sheets Over 0.5 Hits
Gavin Sheets has also been swinging a hot bat this month for the Padres. The left-handed hitter owns a .325 batting average in May and enters Monday night riding a six-game hitting streak.
Sheets went 3-for-3 with a double and two home runs Sunday against Seattle and has 10 hits in his last 16 at-bats.
- Dodgers vs. Padres Player Prop Pick for May 18: Gavin Sheets Over 0.5 Hits (-165)
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for LAD-SD
The Dodgers are dominating player prop markets heading into Monday night’s series opener in San Diego:
- Shohei Ohtani – Home Runs Over 0.5
- Shohei Ohtani – Hits Over 0.5
- Freddie Freeman – Hits Over 0.5
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto – Strikeouts Over 6.5
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto – To Record 5+ Strikeouts
Dodgers vs. Padres Game Info
- 📍 Where: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
- 📅 Date: Monday, May 18
- ⏰ First Pitch: 9:40 PM ET
- 📺💻 TV/Streaming: MLB.TV
- ⚾ Probable Pitchers:
- Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Padres: Michael King
More Ways to Bet
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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