After dropping three of four to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their road trip with the start of a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
The Dodgers enter play with a 29-19 record, which is the second-best in the National League behind the Braves, who hold a one-game advantage at 29-17.
Prior to first pitch, the Dodgers recalled Gavin Stone for his second career Major League start and designated Wander Suero as the corresponding roster move. Stone is taking Dustin May’s spot in the rotation after he was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right flexor pronator strain.
Stone made his MLB debut on May 3 against a talented Philadelphia Phillies lineup and allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits in four innings of work.
The right-hander had a shaky 2023 debut with Oklahoma City but has largely settled in since that time. He still owns an inflated 4.04 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in eight starts for OKC.
The Braves counter with Charlie Morton, who is coming off his best start of the season against the Texas Rangers. He allowed seven hits over 6.2 scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts against one walk.
The 16-year veteran is 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA, 3.59 FIP, 1.37 WHIP and 9.3 strikeouts per nine in 47.1 innings pitched across eight starts. In five career starts against the Dodgers, Morton owns a 1-2 record, 4.94 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 10.2 strikeouts per nine over 27.1 frames.
Monday’s game marks Freddie Freeman’s second return to Truist Park since signing with the Dodgers. Freeman was emotional over being back in Atlanta last year, when he received his 2021 World Series ring, but this season’s visit is much more routine.
The series is also a homecoming of sorts for Jason Heyward, who was drafted by the Braves as well and played five seasons with the team. However, Heyward is not in the Dodgers lineup for the series opener.
The Dodgers added a fresh relief pitcher to their bullpen by selecting the contract of Tayler Scott and placing Clayton Kershaw on the bereavement list.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
DH: J.D. Martinez
LF: David Peralta
2B: Miguel Vargas
CF: James Outman
SS: Miguel Rojas
Braves lineup
RF: Ronald Acuña Jr.
1B: Matt Olson
C: Sean Murphy
3B: Austin Riley
LF: Eddie Rosario
2B: Ozzie Albies
DH: Marcell Ozuna
SS: Orlando Arcia
CF: Michael Harris II
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