Match Preview
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets continue their three-game National League series at Citi Field on Saturday, July 25, 2026. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET.
Los Angeles is expected to start right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while New York counters with rookie right-hander Nolan McLean. Yamamoto enters the matchup with a 10-6 record and a 2.78 ERA. McLean has also pitched well, carrying a 7-6 record and a 3.34 ERA into Saturday’s game.
The Dodgers won Friday’s series opener 4-2 behind an outstanding performance from Roki Sasaki. Sasaki struck out nine and allowed only one run across seven innings, while Kyle Tucker delivered a two-run home run in the eighth. Freddie Freeman collected three hits and Shohei Ohtani added a sacrifice fly.
Los Angeles improved to 66-38 with the victory, while New York fell to 43-61. The Dodgers own the stronger lineup, the better overall record and another significant starting-pitching advantage Saturday.
The Mets can remain competitive behind McLean, but the Dodgers are the preferred moneyline selection.
Los Angeles Dodgers Analysis
Yamamoto gives Los Angeles one of Saturday’s strongest starting options.
The right-hander enters with a 2.78 ERA and is coming off a complete-game performance against the New York Yankees. His command, pitch variety and ability to generate weak contact should allow him to challenge a Mets lineup that has struggled to produce consistent offence.
Yamamoto does not need to completely shut out New York for the Dodgers to win. Six or seven competitive innings should be enough to place Los Angeles in an excellent position.
The Dodgers’ lineup also enters with confidence after Friday’s victory.
Freeman finished 3-for-4 and scored twice, while Ohtani collected two hits and drove in the go-ahead run. Tucker supplied the decisive insurance with his first home run since June 27.
Los Angeles has several ways to create offence. The Dodgers can produce through power, disciplined at-bats, extra-base hits and pressure throughout the order. That depth makes them difficult to contain even when the opposing starter performs well.
The Dodgers should avoid becoming overly aggressive against McLean. The Mets rookie has allowed only two earned runs across his previous four appearances and owns a respectable 3.34 ERA. Working deep counts and forcing him to throw strikes will be important.
If Los Angeles can increase McLean’s pitch count and reach the New York bullpen before the later innings, the advantage should shift heavily toward the Dodgers.
New York Mets Analysis
McLean gives New York a realistic opportunity to keep the matchup close.
The rookie has pitched effectively across 20 starts and enters Saturday in strong form. His ability to limit damage should prevent the Dodgers from assuming they will immediately produce another comfortable offensive performance.
McLean must avoid walks and keep Ohtani, Freeman and Tucker from batting with multiple runners on base. Los Angeles has too much power to survive repeated mistakes in the middle of the strike zone.
The Mets’ offence remains the larger concern.
New York produced only two runs Friday and managed three hits against Sasaki. The Mets briefly led after Juan Soto drove in a run, but they could not maintain consistent pressure once Los Angeles took control.
Soto also left Friday’s game with left calf soreness, creating uncertainty about his availability Saturday. Losing him or receiving a limited version of him would significantly reduce New York’s offensive ceiling against Yamamoto.
The Mets do have other capable hitters, including Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr. and Francisco Alvarez. However, New York has ranked near the bottom of baseball in both run production and run prevention during a disappointing season.
For the Mets to win, McLean may need to match Yamamoto through six innings while the offence capitalizes on one or two limited scoring opportunities.
Why We Like This Pick
Los Angeles holds the advantage in nearly every major category.
Yamamoto has the lower ERA, greater experience and the stronger lineup supporting him. The Dodgers also won Friday’s opener without needing an explosive offensive performance.
New York’s best argument is McLean’s recent form. The rookie has pitched well enough to keep the Mets competitive, and Citi Field gives him a familiar environment.
However, the Dodgers are far more dependable over nine innings. Their lineup can generate production from several different hitters, while the Mets may be without Soto after his calf injury Friday.
Los Angeles also enters with the best record in the National League, while New York sits at the bottom of the NL East.
The Dodgers moneyline is the preferred play because McLean’s quality could keep the final margin relatively close.
Final Prediction
Expect McLean to challenge Los Angeles during the opening innings, but Yamamoto should provide the stronger overall pitching performance.
The Dodgers’ lineup depth should eventually create scoring opportunities against McLean or the New York bullpen. Los Angeles takes control during the middle innings and secures its second consecutive victory at Citi Field.
Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 5, New York Mets 2
Official FirePicksHQ Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers Moneyline