SportsLine Analyst Highlights Phillies-Dodgers Clash in Friday MLB Slate
Thompson’s latest analysis breaks down pitching performances and team form, noting both World Series contenders are currently on winning streaks.
SportsLine expert Adam Thompson has released his primary MLB betting selections for Friday, May 29, with the matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers taking centre stage. The game begins a three-game series and serves as the headline for a 15-game slate. Both franchises enter the contest on winning streaks, meaning at least one team’s current momentum will be tested on Friday night.
Thompson, who specialises in the analytics-driven exploitation of matchups across the NFL, NBA, and MLB, has recorded over 70 units in profit in MLB and more than 60 units in the NBA over the past two seasons. His analysis extends beyond the marquee contest to include detailed breakdowns of other games on the schedule, including specific attention to the Chicago Cubs and St Louis Cardinals.
In the National League Central rivalry, Thompson points to the performance of Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga. Imanaga has allowed 15 runs over 10 1/3 innings in his last two losses against the Brewers and Astros, a sharp decline from his previous form where he allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his eight prior starts. However, he has been more effective on the road, holding a 3.09 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in away games.
The Cubs have shown signs of recovery after losing 10 consecutive games, having won two straight and scoring 17 runs in that span. They face Cardinals right-hander Andre Pallante, who is 4-0 on the road but carries a 4.82 ERA in home games. The Cardinals have struggled against left-handed pitching, posting a .588 OPS against lefties over the last two weeks.
The Phillies-Dodgers matchup features Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who is 4-0 with a 1.67 ERA and has allowed just one run over his last three starts. Despite Wheeler’s form, the Dodgers present a significant offensive challenge, holding a lifetime .316 batting average against him and an .821 OPS against right-handed pitchers over the last two weeks. Los Angeles is averaging 6.8 runs over their last 11 games.
Dodgers starter Justin Wrboleski has posted a 2.89 ERA in his last seven starts, supported by a bullpen that has a 1.35 ERA over the last two weeks. Thompson notes that Dodgers money line odds rarely drop as low as they have for this home game, suggesting the market is heavily favouring the Los Angeles side.
