After going 5-2 on their opening road trip, the Los Angeles Dodgers return home for the start of a three-game series against the Washington Nationals.
For the first time since Game 5 of the 2019 National League Division Series, the Dodgers will be playing in front of fans at Dodger Stadium. Approximately 15,000 fans are expected to be in attendance for the home opener, which is roughly 28% capacity.
Prior to first pitch, the Dodgers received their World Series rings and raised their championship banner. Many players, including Max Muncy, have been looking forward to the ceremony since winning the World Series. “It will be a pretty special day,” he said.
“Obviously I’ve never been a part of something like that, so I can’t really say what I’m looking forward to the most. So I’m going to go with everything. I think the whole day is going to be pretty special.”
#Dodgers World Series champions banner now flies at Dodger Stadium. pic.twitter.com/lu0HKPLV61
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) April 9, 2021
Walker Buehler is back on the mound for his second start of the season. He earned a no-decision in his 2021 debut against the Colorado Rockies despite allowing just two runs on four hits over six innings pitched.
Since making his MLB debut in 2017, Buehler has been tough to solve at Dodger Stadium. He’s 11-4 with a 2.46 ERA and 0.68 WHIP in 34 career games (30 starts) when pitching at home.
Buehler has also found success against the Nationals in his career, as he owns a 3.38 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against five walks across 13.1 innings (three appearances).
Washington counters with Joe Ross, who makes his regular season debut. He enjoyed a solid spring in which he posted a 2.79 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with eight strikeouts over 9.2 innings of work.
Ross did not pitch last season after opting out due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In four career games against the Dodgers (two starts), he owns a 7.02 ERA and 1.74 WHIP across 16.2 frames.
Mookie Betts is missing a second consecutive game due to lower back stiffness, and Cody Bellinger is also out as he was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 6) due to a left calf contusion.
The Nationals also welcomed back multiple players from the injured list, activating Alex Avila, Yan Gomes, Brad Hand and Jordy Mercer.
Dodgers lineup
CF: Chris Taylor
SS: Corey seager
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Max Muncy
C: Will Smith
2B: Gavin Lux
LF: AJ Pollock
RF: Zach McKinstry
P: Walker Buehler
Nationals lineup
CF: Victor Robles
SS: Trea Turner
RF: Juan Soto
1B: Ryan Zimmermann
3B: Starlin Castro
LF: Andrew Stevenson
2B: Luis Garcia
C: Jonathan Lucroy
P: Joe Ross
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