The Los Angeles Dodgers are on a four-game winning and now look to clinch their series against the Detroit Tigers with Caleb Ferguson on the mound as an opener.
Ferguson is pitching on back-to-back days as he struck out the side in the seventh inning of the series opener. He was among four Dodgers relief pitchers used in the 8-3 win as Ryan Brasier, Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips were unavailable due to recent usage.
The start is Ferguson’s fifth of the season and his 63rd game overall. He enters 7-3 with a 2.44 ERA, 3.26 FIP and 1.37 WHIP. In his four starts thus far in 2023, Ferguson is 0-1 and has allowed just one run over four innings.
Whether Ferguson hands the baton directly off to Ryan Pepiot remains to be seen, but the right-hander is expected to pitch bulk innings.
Pepiot had his 2023 debut delayed by a left oblique strain/intercostal, but since returning from the 60-day injured list has been nothing short of impressive.
The Dodgers have utilized Pepiot both as a starter and out of the bullpen, seemingly in preparation for a potential postseason role. Pepiot is 2-1 with a 2.00 ERA and 0.63 WHIP in five games (three starts).
The Tigers counter with an opener as well in Miguel Díaz. The right-hander is making his second start of the year and pitching in an eighth overall game.
Díaz has allowed just three hits and collected nine strikeouts over seven scoreless innings.
Dodgers lineup
2B: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
DH: J.D. Martinez
LF: David Peralta
RF: Jason Heyward
CF: James Outman
SS: Miguel Rojas
Tigers lineup
LF: Matt Vierling
2B: Andy Ibáñez
1B: Spencer Torkelson
C: Jake Rogers
RF: Kerry Carpenter
DH: Miguel Cabrera
3B: Tyler Nevin
SS: Javier Báez
CF: Parker Meadows
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