Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: April 25, 2025 – Complete Preview, How to Watch, Odds & More

Baseball fans are in for a treat as the Los Angeles Dodgers (16–9) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (10–16) on Friday, April 25, 2025, in what promises to be a compelling early-season matchup between a title contender and a team striving to find its identity. Although these clubs are in very different places in terms of roster construction and expectations, both have exciting young talent and storylines worth watching.

Let’s dig deep into everything you need to know—live stream info, TV coverage, start time, key players, betting insights, historical context, and analysis—as we set the stage for this interleague showdown at Dodger Stadium.

How to Watch the Dodgers vs. Pirates – April 25, 2025

Game Start Time:

7:10 PM PT / 10:10 PM ET
Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

TV Channels:

Los Angeles: SportsNet LA (SNLA)
Pittsburgh: SportsNet Pittsburgh
National Coverage: MLB Network (select markets)

Streaming Options:

MLB.TV – Out-of-market fans can stream live with a subscription.
FuboTV – Offers regional sports networks in select markets.
YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV – May carry SNLA and MLB Network based on your location.
ESPN+ – Occasionally carries MLB games (check listings).

For international viewers, MLB.TV is the most reliable option, though in some countries, local providers may have rights (like Sportsnet in Canada or ESPN in Australia).

Starting Pitching Matchup

Los Angeles Dodgers

SP: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP)

Record: 3–1
ERA: 0.93
WHIP: 0.88
Strikeouts: 36 in 29.0 IP

After signing a record-breaking deal in the offseason, Yamamoto has not only lived up to the hype but has exceeded expectations. Coming off a dazzling 7-inning shutout performance, he’s becoming the ace of this staff faster than expected. His command, velocity, and poise are beyond his years, and he’s drawing early comparisons to prime Zack Greinke.

Pittsburgh Pirates

SP: Paul Skenes (RHP)

Record: 2–2
ERA: 2.87
WHIP: 1.10
Strikeouts: 30 in 28.1 IP

The Pirates are putting their future in the hands of this electric right-hander. Skenes is a top prospect who brings upper-90s heat, a wipeout slider, and excellent maturity. He’s been inconsistent but brilliant at times. This will be one of the biggest tests of his young MLB career—on the road, under the lights, at Dodger Stadium.

Recent Team Performance & Form

Los Angeles Dodgers:

Last 10 Games: 7–3
Home Record: 10–2
Team ERA: 3.10 (2nd in MLB)
Runs Per Game: 5.2

The Dodgers are riding momentum right now. After a brief slow start, they’ve turned up the heat. Freeman, Betts, and Bellinger are all hitting their stride. The pitching staff has been phenomenal, particularly Yamamoto and the bullpen trio of Phillips-Graterol-Vesia.

They’ve dominated weaker opponents and held their own against contenders, and they’ve historically fared well against Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Pirates:

Last 10 Games: 3–7
Away Record: 4–8
Team ERA: 4.80 (23rd in MLB)
Runs Per Game: 3.9

The Pirates have struggled to string together wins. Their offense has sputtered in key moments, and their bullpen has been shaky. However, they have a few bright spots: Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz are quietly producing, and Jack Suwinski has added some pop in recent weeks.

If they want to pull off an upset, it will take a complete team effort—and a shutdown outing from Skenes.

Key Players to Watch

Dodgers:

Mookie Betts (RF): Still one of the best in the game. Batting .305 with 7 HR and 18 RBIs so far. Elite defense and leadership.
Freddie Freeman (1B): The heart of the lineup. Hitting .330 with a .410 OBP. The model of consistency.
Will Smith (C): Arguably the most underrated catcher in the league. Big bat and strong game management behind the plate.
Yamamoto (SP): Must-see TV. Every outing feels like a statement.

Pirates:

Paul Skenes (SP): The rookie sensation is the x-factor. Can he neutralize the Dodgers’ deep lineup?
Bryan Reynolds (OF): A switch-hitter with power and gap-to-gap ability. The Pirates’ most reliable bat.
Oneil Cruz (SS): Freakish talent. Huge upside but still refining his approach. Could be a game-changer if he connects.
Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B): Elite glove, bat needs to heat up. Still a cornerstone piece of Pittsburgh’s rebuild.

Betting Insights

Moneyline:

Dodgers: -210 (Favorites)
Pirates: +170 (Underdogs)

Run Line:

Dodgers -1.5: +110
Pirates +1.5: -130

Over/Under:

Total: 7.0
Over: -105
Under: -115

Prediction Against the Spread:

The Dodgers have covered in 6 of their last 8 games when Yamamoto starts. The Pirates, meanwhile, have only covered in 3 of their last 10. Based on form, trends, and matchups, the Dodgers are a solid bet here—but bettors should keep an eye on the total, especially if Skenes rises to the occasion.

What It Means for Each Team

Dodgers’ Outlook:

For the Dodgers, this game is less about standings and more about rhythm. They’re trying to stay sharp, avoid injuries, and get more consistency from their younger players (like James Outman and Miguel Vargas). With the NL West as competitive as ever, every game against non-contenders is a chance to pad the win total.

Pirates’ Perspective:

The Pirates are in a different phase—rebuild and develop. But games like this offer valuable learning moments. A strong outing from Skenes against one of MLB’s best could fast-track his growth. Competitive at-bats from the young core could help build confidence. They’re not expected to win, but they can’t afford moral victories forever—they need to start seeing results.

Historical Matchup

2024 Season Series: Dodgers won 5 of 6 games.
All-Time Record: Dodgers lead 1,129–1,006 (as of April 2025).
Last Meeting: Dodgers defeated the Pirates 6–1 at PNC Park (Sept. 2024).

Manager Soundbites

Dave Roberts (Dodgers):

“Yamamoto’s been incredible. He’s everything we hoped for and more. But we don’t take anyone lightly—we know Skenes is the real deal.”

Derek Shelton (Pirates):

“This is a challenge, no doubt. But our guys are excited. Paul [Skenes] wants the ball, and that’s all I can ask for.”

Final Prediction

Winner: Dodgers
Score: 5–2
MVP: Yamamoto (7 IP, 1 ER, 9 K)
Surprise Performer: Miguel Rojas – 2-for-3, 2 RBIs

Expect a classic Dodger Stadium evening. While the Pirates have the talent to make it interesting, especially with Skenes on the mound, the Dodgers are too deep, too experienced, and too hot right now. Unless Pittsburgh plays a near-flawless game, L.A. should take Game 1 of the series.

Summary

Category	Dodgers	Pirates
Record	16–9	10–16
Last 10 Games	7–3	3–7
Starting Pitcher	Yamamoto (0.93 ERA)	Skenes (2.87 ERA)
Key Bat	Betts (.305 AVG)	Reynolds (.288 AVG)
Odds	-210 ML	+170 ML

Tune in Friday, April 25, at 7:10 PM Pacific / 10:10 PM Eastern on SportsNet LA, SN Pittsburgh, or MLB Network.

This could be the start of something special for the Dodgers—or a statement night for one of MLB’s most electric young pitchers.

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