After dropping two consecutive games against the Miami Marlins, the Los Angeles Dodgers look to get back on track and avoid their first series loss since being swept by the San Diego Padres at the end of June.
For the second time this week, the Dodgers are going with a bullpen game. This pushes back Julio Urias and Clayton Kershaw, allowing them to make their final start before the All-Star break on an extra day of rest.
Jake Reed serves as the opener one day after making his MLB debut. He allowed one run on three hits with two walks (one intentional) and one strikeout over 0.2 innings in Tuesday’s game against the Marlins.
Reed began the 2021 season with the L.A. Angels’ Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake City, and after struggling, was released on June 2. He went on to sign to a Minor League contract with the Dodgers and found much more success in OKC.
Reed pitched to a solid 2.61 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and one walk across nine appearances (10.1 innings) for the Dodgers’ top Minor League affiliate before being promoted to the big leagues.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained why he went with Reed to start. “He made his debut last night in relief and the next night he’s starting a Major League game. So happy for Jake,” Roberts said before the game.
“I think the reason behind it is it’s a good run for him, he has an inning to pitch and to get back in there and we’ve got some other guys to take on the bulk and kind of piece the game together.”
The expectation is that Reed will face four or five batters, according to Roberts.
“I would say it’s probably a four or five batter run, so whether it’s one inning or it’s like a little bit more than a one-plus, but it’s a four or five batter run.”
The Marlins additionally have opted for a bullpen game and send Ross Detwiler to the mound for his third start of the season (31st appearance). The veteran has gotten off to a good start in his first season with the organization.
He brings with him into Wednesday’s game a 1-0 record, 3.23 ERA, 2.61 FIP and 1.08 WHIP in 30.2 innings to date. Detwiler is coming off a three-inning scoreless relief appearance against the Atlanta Braves on July 2 in which he allowed only one hit.
The 35-year-old has faced the Dodgers twice this season, with both outings coming in May. He combined to allow two runs and one hit in 2.1 innings of work with three strikeouts.
Having used six relievers on Tuesday, the Dodgers are recalling Mitch White from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to first pitch.
As far as the lineup goes, this one looks a little different for the Dodgers as Albert Pujols is batting second for the first time. Roberts explained that this is matchup-related and Pujols is expected to get two at-bats before being replaced by Gavin Lux.
“I just felt that having Albert at the top gives him the chance to take potentially two at-bats and Gavin will be in the game at some point as well.”
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Albert Pujols
2B: Max Muncy
3B: Justin Turner
SS: Chris Taylor
CF: Cody Bellinger
LF: AJ Pollock
C: Austin Barnes
P: Jake Reed
Marlins lineup
2B: Jazz Chisholm Jr.
CF: Starling Marte
RF: Garrett Cooper
1B: Jesús Aguilar
SS: Miguel Rojas
LF: Jesús Sánchez
C: Jorge Alfaro
3B: Jon Berti
P: Ross Detwiler
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
