The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched their first series win of a homestand that concludes Thursday, and now look to complete a sweep of the Oakland Athletics.
The Dodgers won the first two games against the A’s by outscoring them 17-4, including a 10-1 drubbing on Wednesday night. The league-worst A’s are now 30-79 with a .275 winning percentage, and are 3-7 over their last 10 games.
Julio Urías takes the mound with a 7-6 record, 4.98 ERA and 1.20 WHIP this season. Over his last seven starts, Urías is 3-3 with a 6.50 ERA. In his last start against the Toronto Blue Jays, Urías gave up three runs over six innings, striking out five while allowing eight hits.
He admitted to not being his sharpest in that outing but was pleased to have been able to push through it.
After an outing on July 14 where Urías shut down the New York Mets with seven strikeouts over six scoreless innings, it appeared the left-hander would be on his way to righting the ship in the second half.
That’s yet to be the case, but facing a woeful Athletics team could be a confidence-builder for Urías. However, his start was pushed back to Thursday because of an issue with his left index finger. That’s prevented Urías from throwing regular bullpen sessions of late, and thus Dodgers manager Dave Roberts doesn’t expect more than five innings from his starter.
The A’s counter with JP Sears, their best starting pitcher in 2023. The lefty is 2-7 with a 4.09 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 99 ERA+ that is just under league average.
Spears has lowered his walk numbers from career average and is striking out batters at a decent rate, but he does lead the league in batters hit by pitch. Spears also gives up a lot of home runs, which could bode well for the Dodgers lineup.
Sears throws a four-seam fastball 51% of the time, mixing in a sweeper (25.5%), changeup (13.5%) and slider (10.2%).
J.D. Martinez remains out of the Dodgers lineup as he continues to recover from a left groin/adductor injury. Will Smith starts at designated hitter, which in turn has Austin Barnes behind the plate.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
DH: Will Smith
2B: Amed Rosario
3B: Max Muncy
LF: Chris Taylor
CF: Kiké Hernández
SS: Miguel Rojas
C: Austin Barnes
Athletics lineup
DH: Jonah Bride
2B: Zack Gelof
RF: Ramón Laureano
LF: Brent Rooker
SS: Aledmys Díaz
3B: Jordan Diaz
CF: JJ Bleday
C: Shea Langeliers
1B: Tyler Soderstrom
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