The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their homestand with a 5-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday, clinching one of the top two records in the National League and now look to stay hot with a day-night doubleheader at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the best record in the NL is six, and it’s 10 to have home-field advantage through the World Series.
They call on Michael Grove for another start and hope he can combine with Ryan Pepiot to pitch the majority of the inning sin the matinee game against the Diamondbacks. Pepiot was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the Dodgers’ 29th player.
This marks Grove’s second consecutive start against the Diamondbacks. In the prior outing at Chase Field on Sept. 14, he tossed a career-high five innings, allowing just two earned runs on solo homers.
Grove has yet to earn a decision while up with the Dodgers and has a 4.40 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. However, his recent performance garnered praise from manager Dave Roberts for being ready when needed in the rotation.
The Diamondbacks counter with the veteran right-hander Zach Davies for his 25th start of the season. On the year he is 2-4 with a 4.06 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP.
Tuesday is Davies’ fifth outing against the Dodgers this season. In the previous four starts, he is 0-2 with a 6.27 ERA and surrendered 19 hits, including four home runs in 18.2 innings pitched.
Davies took a no-decision when he faced the Dodgers last week, allowing two runs over 5.1 innings pitched.
The Dodgers lineup has a different look in the first game of the doubleheader but since Sept. 1, they’ve posted a .811 on-base plus slugging percentage that is the best in baseball.
Miguel Vargas makes his second start in left field but first in a week. His opportunities have been limited by the ramp-up in production from Chris Taylor, but the chance to make an impact in the playoffs for the 22-year-old rookie is slim without much playing time.
Trea Turner enters the day with an MLB-best 15-game hitting streak. Gavin Lux is expected to start both games of the doubleheader, likely playing second base in the nightcap.
Dodgers lineup
SS: Trea Turner
1B: Freddie Freeman
3B: Justin Turner
RF: Joey Gallo
CF: Trayce Thompson
2B: Chris Taylor
DH: Gavin Lux
LF: Miguel Vargas
C: Austin Barnes
Diamondbacks lineup
RF: Daulton Varsho
LF: Corbin Carroll
DH: Jake McCarthy
1B: Christian Walker
2B: Ketel Marte
3B: Josh Rojas
CF: Alek Thomas
C: Cooper Hummel
SS: Sergio Alcántara
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