Dodgers vs. Padres Game 3 prediction: NLDS player props, odds, picks

Walker Buehler has been through a lot since becoming a postseason hero during the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series-winning run.The 30-year-old right-hander returned to the bump earlier this season after missing all of 2023 due to undergoing Tommy John Surgery. And it hasn’t quite gone as planned. Buehler posted a 5.38 ERA over 16 outings in what has easily been the worst season of his career. In his first postseason appearance this season, Buehler will take the mound in San Diego with the NLDS against the Padres locked at 1-1 as he tries to get back on track. Buehler has historically been excellent against the Friars, dominating with a 1.80 ERA in 12 outings. Despite that success against the divisional rival, one Padres player in particular has caused Buehler massive problems over the years: Fernando Tatis Jr. Tatis has crushed Buehler in 27 career plate appearances, hitting four home runs, including one in May of this season.That ties Pete Alonso for the most career homers off of Buehler. Buehler has been unusually homer-prone this season, giving up 16 in 75 ⅓  innings, including five in September. His fall from grace has much to do with the decline of his four-seam fastball. While Buehler has largely maintained his velocity, the pitch has gone from being one of the best four-seamers in the big leagues in terms of Run Value from 2018-2021 (+59) to one of the worst in limited time this season (-8). Tatis feasts on the hard stuff, slugging .526 with 14 homers off fastballs this season. There’s no better matchup for the Padres superstar than tonight’s. The play: Fernando Tatis Jr.to hit a home run (+360, BetMGM Sportsbook)...