MLB Picks · June 9, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates
Strong Lean
Pirates ML
-112
77
/ 100
Edge Score
Starting Pitchers
Los Angeles Dodgers · Away
Eric Lauer (LHP)
Pittsburgh Pirates · Home
Paul Skenes (RHP)
AI Analysis
Paul Skenes (ERA 2.83, WHIP 0.90, 82 K in 70 IP) is one of the best starters in baseball and faces a Dodgers lineup that hits worse vs RHP in recent form, with Tucker, Freeland, and Betts all ice-cold. Eric Lauer (ERA 5.74, WHIP 1.38) is a clear step down, and Pittsburgh's offense vs LHP (.672 OPS) is a concern, but their overall offensive numbers (5.9 R/G last 10G) and hot bats from Reynolds, Cruz, Mangum, and Horwitz give them enough. PNC Park is a pitcher-friendly venue. The Dodgers' overall quality is elite, but Lauer is a significant liability against a lineup that has been running hot.
Concerns
- •Dodgers are the best team in baseball at 42-24 with elite overall offense
- •PIT lineup vs LHP is weaker (.672 OPS split)
- •Ohtani and Freeman are both scorching hot recently
- •LAD L10 form is 6-4 — solid despite recent loss
- •PIT on a 3-game losing streak entering this game
Factor Breakdown