The Los Angeles Dodgers begin a six-game road trip Tuesday and will then return to Dodger Stadium for the start of a nine-game homestand, with series against the New York Mets (four games), Colorado Rockies (three) and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (two).
Contests on Tuesday, June 20, and Wednesday, June 21, will be nationally televised by ESPN. Both games will be available in the Los Angeles market but are subject to blackout restrictions in New York.
The series will be the first meeting between the recent bitter postseason rivals. Last season, the Dodgers won four of seven games against the Mets, splitting a four-game set at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers are 7-3 against the National League East division thus far, while the Mets are just 3-6 against NL West opponents.
Both teams have dealt with a rash of injuries to key players. Los Angeles saw the return of Justin Turner last Friday, and Yoenis Cespedes returned on Saturday after being out since April 28.
The Dodgers will begin their next homestand with a 25-10 record at Chavez Ravine. They’re averaging 5.31 runs per game at home, which entering Monday is superior to their average of 4.24 runs scored on the road.
In completing a three-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, the Dodgers finished 4-2 on their most recent homestand.
While the Mets series is receiving national treatment from ESPN, the matchup with the Rockies has larger implications.