The Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to three games by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies for the first time in four opportunities this season, and now can clinch the series at Dodger Stadium while also taking hold of the best record in the National League.
Clayton Kershaw tries to bounce back from struggling against the San Diego Padres in what was just his second start since returning from left shoulder surgery. It was the first time Kershaw didn’t have at least one strikeout in a start during the regular season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downplayed any concern and noted there likely will be some peaks and valleys for Kershaw as works to get acclimated to pitching again. Particularly since his rehab assignment was only three starts.
Moreover, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior noted Kershaw has managed to repeat his delivery despite having the offseason surgery, and that further lends to confidence he will be successful this year.
The Phillies counter with Cristopher Sánchez, who has now pitched in parts of four seasons for the team. Sánchez is 7-7 with a 3.36 ERA and 1.28 WHIP across 21 starts this year.
The left-hander is coming off a rough outing against the New York Yankees in which he allowed six runs over 5.2 innings pitched.
With a southpaw on the mound, the Dodgers lineup includes a bevy of right-handed hitters. Normal exceptions are Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, but Kevin Kiermaier is also starting. Kiermaier is 0-for-5 with one walk and three strikeouts in two games with the Dodgers thus far.
Amed Rosario gets an opportunity to play second base and fulfill a platoon role the Dodgers have laid out for him. Though, Rosario’s last start prior to Tuesday came with a right-hander on the mound in the series finale against the Oakland Athletics.
Rosario being in the lineup bumps Gavin Lux to the bench amid his 10-game hitting streak.
Dodgers lineup
DH: Shohei Ohtani
LF: Teoscar Hernández
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
2B: Amed Rosario
3B: Kiké Hernández
RF: Andy Pages
SS: Nick Ahmed
CF: Kevin Kiermaier
Phillies lineup
DH: Kyle Schwarber
SS: Trea Turner
1B: Bryce Harper
3B: Alec Bohm
C: J.T. Realmuto
RF: Nick Castellanos
LF: Austin Hays
CF: Brandon Marsh
2B: Edmundo Sosa
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