Dodgers Vs. Cubs Game Preview: Mookie Betts Back In Right Field, James Outman Dropped In Lineup

After earning a 6-2 win in the series opener, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their four-game set against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field with the first in a string of afternoon affairs.

Julio Urías makes his fifth start of the season and second consecutive against the Cubs. He took his first loss of the year last week at Dodger Stadium after allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits in 5.2 innings pitched.

Urías enters at an overall 3-1 with a 1.90 ERA, 3.30 FIP, 1.01 WHIP and 9.9 strikeouts per nine across 23.2 innings this year. In seven career games (five starts) against the Cubs, the left-hander owns a 1-2 record, 4.66 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 11.5 strikeouts per nine over 29 frames.

Chicago counters with Drew Smyly, who is coming off a solid outing against the Dodgers. He earned his first win of the season after giving up just one run and two hits in 5.2 innings of work.

Smyly is 1-1 with a 4.70 ERA, 4.71 FIP and 1.30 WHIP in 15.1 innings pitched this season (three starts). He has historically struggled against the Dodgers in his career, going 1-2 with a 4.66 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 29 innings (eight games; six starts).

Smyly faces a Dodgers lineup that includes Mookie Betts back in the leadoff spot and playing right field. He missed the remaining two games of the New York Mets series while on paternity leave and appeared off the bench Thursday night.

Betts returning drops James Outman to sixth in the lineup despite coming off his first career multi-homer game and grand slam.

Prior to the game the Dodgers selected the contract of Jake Reed from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Michael Grove was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right groin strain and Ryan Pepiot (left oblique) was transferred to the 60-day IL.

Dodgers lineup

RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
DH: J.D. Martinez
3B: Max Muncy
2B: Miguel Vargas
LF: James Outman
CF: Trayce Thompson
SS: Luke Williams
C: Austin Wynns

Cubs lineup

2B: Nico Hoerner
SS: Dansby Swanson
LF: Ian Happ
RF: Seiya Suzuki
DH: Patrick Wisdom
CF: Cody Bellinger
1B: Trey Mancini
C: Yan Gomes
3B: Nick Madrigal

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