The Los Angeles Dodgers had their modest three-game winning streak snapped in a 4-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Friday, squandering an opportunity to gain some ground on the first-place San Francisco Giants, who were defeated by the Atlanta Braves.
The Dodgers remain 2.5 games behind their biggest rival in the National League West standings as they try to bounce back against the Rockies in the middle of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.
David Price was scheduled to take the mound for his 12th start and 33rd overall appearance of the season, but the Dodgers announced Corey Knebel will instead serve as an opener.
Price will take on a bulk role and brings with him into Saturday’s outing a 4-2 record, 3.82 ERA, 3.94 FIP and 1.34 WHIP in 63.2 innings pitched.
Since re-joining the rotation on a full-time basis in July, Price has not logged more than 5.1 innings in any of his nine appearances. He went just four innings in his last start against the New York Mets on Aug. 22, allowing three runs on three hits with four strikeouts.
Price has faced the Rockies five times this season, with his first three outings coming out of the bullpen. In those games, he owns a 4.05 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 14 strikeouts against two walks over 13.1 innings pitched.
Knebel makes the second start of his career — both of which will have come this season.
The Rockies counter with Jon Gray, who aside from Germán Márquez has been one of the club’s most reliable starters. He enters at 7-10 with a 4.13 ERA, 3.98 FIP and 1.30 WHIP in 124.1 innings across 23 starts.
Gray has made four starts against the Dodgers this season and sports an 0-1 record, 3.43 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 21 frames.
Max Muncy returns to the Dodgers lineup after not appearing in the series finale against the San Diego Padres and being limited to a pinch-hit appearance on Friday due to back tightness. As was previously suggested by manager Dave Roberts, Mookie Betts is playing second base.
Dodgers lineup
SS: Trea Turner
1B: Max Muncy
2B: Mookie Betts
3B: Justin Turner
C: Will Smith
CF: Cody Bellinger
LF: Chris Taylor
RF: Billy McKinney
P: Corey Knebel
Rockies lineup
LF: Connor Joe
2B: Brendan Rodgers
SS: Trevor Story
1B: C.J. Cron
C: Elias Díaz
3B: Ryan McMahon
RF: Taylor Motter
CF: Garrett Hampson
P: Jon Gray
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