San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers Predictions

Ohtani returns as a hitter

Shohei Ohtani is back as a hitter for the Dodgers, who are -175 against the Padres at SPF. MLB.com reports that he returned from the 15-day injured list on September 23 after lingering right-biceps and left-knee injuries. He's expected to play in all five remaining regular-season games, though that doesn't confirm his place in Thursday's lineup.

Los Angeles' price requires a win probability above 63.6% to break even. Ohtani's availability matters to the batting order, but his hitter-only return provides no pitching boost. With starters and full lineups unconfirmed, there's no firm basis for judging whether the Dodgers clear that threshold. San Diego's +144 price alone doesn't make the Padres a worthwhile alternative.

Betting decision

Pass. The same pitching questions leave the 7.5 total, priced at -110 on either side at SPF, without a supported over or under lean. There's also no clear case for either team on the 1.5-run spread.