Preview for Friday, September 18, 2026. Schedule and player information can change.
San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers
The Giants head to Los Angeles for a matchup with a clear edge in the offensive and run-prevention numbers favoring the Dodgers. San Francisco's team wOBA sits at 0.310 against a FIP of 4.28 and ERA of 4.34, while Los Angeles checks in with a wOBA of 0.330, a FIP of 3.88, and an ERA of 3.64. Every one of those figures points toward the Dodgers, who both score more efficiently and prevent runs at a better clip than their visitors this season.
On the mound, Cesar Perdomo gets the ball for San Francisco carrying an ERA of 3.68 and a WP-calculated FIP of 4.26 across approximately 14.7 innings pitched, a small sample that limits how much confidence can be placed in those early-season marks. Tyler Glasnow starts for the Dodgers with a much larger workload of about 61.7 innings pitched, an ERA of 3.50, and a FIP of 3.01, the more attractive figure in the pitching matchup. Glasnow's FIP in particular stands out as considerably better than Perdomo's, suggesting the Dodgers' starter has been more effective at limiting the type of contact and free passes that lead to runs.
Roster notes include Willy Adames and Victor Bericoto of the Giants each listed on the 10-Day IL, with Harrison Bader also on San Francisco's 60-Day IL, while the Dodgers have Yency Almonte, Ben Casparius, and Jake Cousins all listed on the 60-Day IL. Taken together, the team-level statistics and the pitching matchup both lean toward Los Angeles, with the Dodgers' better wOBA, FIP, and ERA figures paired with Glasnow's superior FIP giving them the stronger overall profile heading into this game.
Statistical scope: MLB Stats API; 2026 regular season season-to-date; exact statistical through-date not supplied.
WP selection: Dodgers moneyline. Confidence: Strong.
The selection is supplied separately by WP. The comparisons above do not establish why the model made this selection.
WP home-run candidate for Dodgers: Mookie Betts. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
WP home-run candidate for Giants: Andrew Knizner. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
Predictions are uncertain; no outcome is guaranteed. Check the picks page for the latest available selections.