After completing a sweep of the Seattle Mariners, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their homestand with a three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays in what is a rematch of the 2020 World Series.
The Dodgers enter play with the best record in the Majors at 76-52. However, they hold only a four-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League West.
The Rays go into Friday’s game with a 64-63 record, which is good for fourth place in a tough American League East.
Bobby Miller takes the mound and looks for better results. In his return to the big leagues last week against the St. Louis Cardinals, he allowed four runs on eight hits over 4.2 innings of work.
The right-hander has struggled mightily this season but is remaining in the Dodgers rotation due to a lack of options. He is just 1-3 with an 8.02 ERA, 6.67 FIP and 1.84 WHIP in 33.2 innings pitched (eight starts).
The Rays counter with Tyler Alexander, who is making a true start despite typically serving as a bulk pitcher. He is 5-3 with a 5.17 ERA, 4.93 FIP and 1.28 WHIP in 76.2 innings across 16 appearances this season (six starts).
Shohei Ohtani could add his name to the record books this weekend as he is one home run and one stolen base away from posting the first 40-40 season in Dodgers franchise history.
Miguel Rojas is back in the Dodgers lineup after missing the past two games because of a minor left hamstring issue. Max Muncy is not playing for the first time in four games since returning from the 60-day injured list.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are celebrating the Lakers and Kobe Bryant throughout the series, beginning with a special drone show on Friday night.
Dodgers lineup
DH: Shohei Ohtani
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
LF: Teoscar Hernández
C: Will Smith
CF: Tommy Edman
SS: Miguel Rojas
2B: Gavin Lux
3B: Kiké Hernández
Rays lineup
1B: Yandy Díaz
2B: Brandon Lowe
3B: Junior Caminero
DH: Christopher Morel
LF: Josh Lowe
RF: Jonny DeLuca
CF: Jose Siri
C: Rob Brantly
SS: Taylor Wells
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