3 Best MLB Bets and Player Props for Reds at Dodgers Game 2

It's time for playoff baseball!

Even within a single MLB game, you've got countless betting markets to choose from.

Which bets stand out today as the Cincinnati Reds take on the Los Angeles Dodgers?

We're going to run through my favorites in FanDuel Sportsbook's MLB betting odds. You can also check out FanDuel Research's MLB player projections if you want a glimpse at projected strikeouts, home runs, and more.

Now, let's dig into the best bets for this game.

Betting Picks for Reds at Dodgers Wild Card Game 2

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Over 6.5 Strikeouts (-136)

I think we'll see more Dodgers dominance tonight, and it starts with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

LA's star righty was really good all year, pitching to a 3.32 SIERA and 29.4% strikeout rate. He took it to another level down the stretch. Over his last five starts (34 innings), Yamamoto recorded a 2.43 xFIP while allowing a total of three earned runs and punching out 44. He reached double-digit Ks three times in that span.

The Reds fanned 12 times yesterday and did next to nothing versus Blake Snell, who finished with nine strikeouts in seven innings. Despite Snell's superb outing, the Dodgers' bullpen struggled to close the door, allowing five runs and churning through four arms -- including Blake Treinen, one of their top relievers -- to get the last six outs. That bullpen usage may give Yamamoto a little longer leash today and help our cause.

First Inning Over 0.5 Runs (+102)

This bet is mostly reliant on the Dodgers to score a first-inning run on Zack Littell, although maybe the Reds' offense will come through.

Littell just isn't very good. He ended the regular season with a 4.40 SIERA and lowly 17.1% strikeout rate while permitting a 43.1% fly-ball rate to left-handed hitters. He'll see at least two elite lefties -- Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman -- in the opening frame, and everyone LA sends to the plate in the bottom of the first will have the pop to go yard.

The Dodgers are -120 to score over 4.5 runs, and they can get the fun started right away.

Freddie Freeman to Record an RBI (+165)

Along the same lines as most of what I just laid out, I like the RBI odds for the aforementioned Freeman.

Littell has a tough time with lefties, and Freeman will likely hit right behind Ohtani and Mookie Betts. He came up with two knocks in Game 1 and was outstanding in the second half, producing a .384 wOBA since the break.

We shouldn't put too much stock into the matchup with Littell as Littell may not be around for long. But once he's pulled, Freeman and the Dodgers will face a Cincy bullpen that ranked 23rd in expected ERA (4.15) in the second half.

You can also download our free 2025 MLB playoffs printable bracket to follow along all postseason.

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Which bets stand out to you today? Check out FanDuel Sportsbook's MLB betting odds to see the full menu of options.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.