What a pitching matchup we have this afternoon in Los Angeles.

It’s obviously always exciting when Shohei Ohtani is taking the mound for the Dodgers, but let’s not sleep on Shane McClanahan, who is having a marvelous campaign for the Rays in his first time back on the mound since 2023. Can the flame-throwing lefty help Tampa avoid a sweep on Wednesday?

Let’s preview this interleague battle and make a couple picks on the DraftKings Sportsbook.

Rays vs. Dodgers prediction, preview

It’s not really relevant to today’s game, as Dave Roberts has already announced that Shohei Ohtani will only work as a pitcher, but remember a month ago when people really had the audacity to question whether the 31-year-old could still do both? Well, Ohtani’s slashing .367/.492/.776 in June with a 240 wRC+. I think it’s safe to say that the reigning NL MVP can still do both. As for the pitching half of the equation, Ohtani currently finds himself as one of the favorites for NL Cy Young. He’s only thrown 67.2 innings in his 11 starts, so he’s not technically a qualified arm, yet these things tend to not matter as much when you’re in possession of a 1.06 ERA. I suppose it also doesn’t hurt your case when you’re the most famous and beloved baseball player in the world — I hear you and see you Jacob Misiorowski fans.

On the other side of this star-studded pitching matchup, we find another talented arm with limited appearances on the mound the past couple seasons. Shane McClanahan was looking like the next notable Rays ace back in 2022 and 2023, yet a rash of injuries stole two full years from the left-hander. No matter. McClanahan looks fantastic in his return in 2026, even with slightly diminished fastball velocity. Over 64.0 innings, the 29-year-old is in possession of a 3.23 ERA and a 2.77 FIP. Yes, McClanahan’s 4.5% HR/FB ratio is probably due for some regression, especially considering a below-average 9.0% opponent barrel rate, but it’s hard to imagine getting more from an asset that was a complete unknown heading into Spring Training. In his past nine outings, McClanahan’s not allowed even a single earned run five times. Pretty impressive stuff.

The problem for McClanahan and Tampa is run support. The Rays have used speed and, well, witchcraft to cobble together a potent offense so far in 2026, but the well is ruining dry as of late. In the month, Tampa Bay’s .110 ISO is the lowest mark in MLB. The club’s .334 slugging percentage is the lowest mark in the American League. It’s simply difficult to consistently score runs when you’re unable to rely on extra base hits.

Rays vs. Dodgers pick, best bet

Best Bet: Under 7.5 (-132)

Ohtani has a 1.06 ERA. McClanahan has a 2.77 FIP. These have been two of the best starters in baseball in 2026. Obviously, the case for the under is helped by the Rays’ recent offensive struggles, but let’s not overlook the Dodgers’ own issues. Will Smith (neck) and Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) are currently on the IL and Ohtani won’t be hitting today. That looms large.

Strong Lean: H2H Strikeouts – Shane McClanahan (+189)

It’s worth a shot. McClanahan and Ohtani are both striking out well over a batter per inning this season, but the latter’s 27.9% strikeout rate is a career-low. Meanwhile, the Rays own MLB’s lowest strikeout rate at just 19.1%.