The Los Angeles Dodgers look to extend their seven-game winning streak and remain undefeated on their road trip in an intriguing matchup against the Houston Astros.
It’s the third series the teams have played since the Astros were found to have electronically stole signs en route to winning the 2017 World Series. The matchup in Houston last year featured fireworks when Joe Kelly lost command of pitches and exchanged words with Carlos Correa, leading to benches clearing.
Kelly said he is looking forward to being back in Houston, particularly with Minute Maid Park opening to full capacity for the first time this season.
Fans will be treated to an expected duel between Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke. The start is Kershaw’s first in Houston since Game 5 of their World Series matchup.
“There will always be something weird there,” Austin Barnes said of facing the Astros. You just want to beat these guys. … I don’t know if I’ll ever fully get over it.”
Kershaw’s outing comes on the anniversary of making his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008.
Greinke in nine starts since leaving the Dodgers in free agency is 2-5 with a 5.54 ERA and has allowed 12 home runs against his former club.
However, players with the most at-bats in those games — Joc Pederson and Cody Bellinger — are not with the Dodgers. Pederson now plays for the Chicago Cubs, and Bellinger is completing a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Dodgers have Mookie Betts back in the lineup after he missed the past two games. The first was for a day of rest, while the second was a result of Betts being scratched because of left shoulder soreness.
“I just think that with the two days off and getting treatment, what I hear from the training staff, the shoulder is in a good place,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
3B: Justin TUrner
2B: Max muncy
DH: Will Smith
CF: Chris Taylor
1B: Albert Pujols
SS: Gavin Lux
LF: Matt Beaty
C: Austin Barnes
Astros lineup
2B: Jose Altuve
RF: Kyle Tucker
3B: Alex Bregman
1B: Yuli Gurriel
DH: Yordan Alvarez
SS: Carlos Correa
LF: Chas McCormick
CF: Myles Straw
C: Martín Maldonado
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