The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their ninth National League West division title in the past 10 years on Tuesday, and now have a shot to complete a series sweep but with Freddie Freeman out of the lineup for the first time this season.
The 2022 Dodgers became the fastest team in franchise history to clinch the division since the team moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, doing so in the 141st game of the season.
With the talk of a ‘magic number’ effectively behind them, the Dodgers can focus on keeping their focus on October and working towards a clean bill of health as they head into another postseason. The Dodgers sit hold a 98-43 record and maintain a 6.5-game lead over the Houston Astros for the best record, which determines home-field advantage through the World Series.
Prior to Wednesday’s game, the Dodgers recalled Michael Grove from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start in spot duty and optioned Andre Jackson. In what will be his fourth appearance and third start for the Dodgers, Grove will be asked to eat some innings and provide a bit of rest for the pitching staff as they head into an off day.
Grove’s last outing for the Dodgers came on Aug. 29 against the Miami Marlins in which he lasted 4.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits, and tallying four strikeouts. In his appearances thus far, he carries a 4.82 ERA, a 1.82 WHIP, and a 3.22 FIP.
The Diamondbacks will counter with veteran Zach Davies, who is 2-4 with a 4.09 ERA in 23 starts this season. Davies is coming off of a rough outing in which he allowed six earned runs on seven hits, lasting just 3.2 innings against the Colorado Rockies in Coors Field.
Davies has faced the Dodgers three times this year, and in those starts, he’s allowed 11 earned runs in just 13.1 innings, good for a 7.43 ERA.
The Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NL over the New York Mets is currently at 11.
Dodgers lineup
2B: Chris Taylor
3B: Max Muncy
DH: Will Smith
RF: Trayce Thompson
LF: Joey Gallo
1B: Miguel Vargas
CF: Cody Bellinger
C: Austin Barnes
SS: Hanser Alberto
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