The Los Angeles Dodgers open a seven-game homestand that begins with the first of a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. While the Dodgers took two of three from the Brewers at home last season, the Brewers are 14-7 at Dodger Stadium since 2009
Milwaukee is coming off being swept by the San Francisco Giants in a three-game set at AT&T Park. The Brewers enter 4-6 in their last 10 games, while the Dodgers are 5-5.
Overall, the Brewers are 30-36 and in fourth place of the National League Central division. At 35-32, the Dodgers remain six games back of the Giants in the NL West.
The Dodgers are just 17-14 at home this season, while the Brewers’ 19-17 road record is superior to their home mark (11-19). They face Scott Kazmir, who has been shaky in the early stages of his past two starts.
The southpaw has only managed to complete five innings in each of those outings, however he was removed in the sixth against the Atlanta Braves on June 5 due to cramping. Kazmir enters 3-3 with a 3.82 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over six home starts.
On the season, the 32 year old is 5-3 with a 4.52 ERA, 4.64 FIP and 1.26 WHIP in 13 starts. Kazmir has yet to face the Brewers in his career. He’s backed by a Dodgers bullpen that enters play with a National League-leading 3.01 ERA.
The Dodgers face Junior Guerra, who is the first of four straight right-handed starters they’ll see. Guerra is 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA, 3.83 FIP and 1.18 WHIP in eight starts this season. He’s yet to face the Dodgers and is only appearing in the 12th game (ninth start) of his career.
After signing a one-year contract on Tuesday and appearing as a pinch-hitter that same night, Will Venable makes his first start with the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts previously pointed to Venable’s value as a left-handed bat off the bench and option to start against righties.
Justin Turner gets a night off, which has Howie Kendrick starting at third base.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Corey Seager
LF: Trayce Thompson
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
3B: Howie Kendrick
CF: Joc Pederson
C: Yasmani Grandal
RF: Will Venable
P: Scott Kazmir
Brewers lineup:
SS: Jonathan Villar
3B: Aaron Hill
LF: Ryan Braun
C: Jonathan Lucroy
1B: Chris Carter
RF: Hernan Perez
2B: Scooter Gennett
CF: Keon Broxton
P: Junior Guerra
