The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their homestand with back-to-back wins against the St. Louis Cardinals and now are in position to complete a series sweep for the first time this season. Doing so would also extend the Dodgers’ winning streak to a season-high-tying three games.
They look to keep some momentum with Will Smith starting at catcher for the first time since his return from the concussion injured list. Smith went 1-for-8 with two runs scored and one walk over the past two games as the Dodgers’ designated hitter.
With J.D. Martinez on the 10-day injured list because of back trouble and Smith catching, Jason Heyward takes his turn as DH for the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts indicated Heyward and David Peralta would handle DH duties for games against a right-handed starter and when Smith is catching.
As for matters on the mound, Noah Syndergaard aims to rebound from a disastrous outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He allowed seven runs over just four innings of a no-decision thanks to the Dodgers’ rallying for a win.
Syndergaard enters 0-3 with a 6.58 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. He’s turned in a quality start in three of five outings.
“To be able to now sweep the series, go for the jugular, I know Noah’s got some vinegar in him, and we expect that,” Roberts said after Saturday’s 1-0 win. “We’re going to need a good one out of him.”
The Cardinals counter with Jake Woodford, who enters 1-2 with a 5.47 ERA and 1.58 WHIP over five starts this season. The right-hander has been improved since a rocky 2023 debut, however, allowing three runs or fewer in three of his last four outings.
This season is Woodford’s first as a full-time starter. He threw a scoreless inning out of the bullpen in his only time pitching against the Dodgers last season.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
DH: Jason Heyward
CF: James Outman
2B: Miguel Vargas
LF: David Peralta
SS: Chris Taylor
Cardinals lineup
RF: Laars Nootbaar
DH: Paul Goldschmidt
2B: Nolan Gorman
3B: Nolan Arenado
C: Willson Contreras
LF: Alec Burleson
CF: Dylan Carlson
1B: Brendan Donovan
SS: Tommy Edman
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