Dodgers Vs. Nationals Game Preview: Edwin Ríos Remains Cleanup Hitter

After having their seven-game winning streak snapped in a walk-off loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their road trip with the opener of a three-game series against the Washington Nationals.

The Dodgers enter play at 27-13, which is good for the best record in the National League. The Nationals are at the opposite end of the spectrum as they own the second-worst record in all of baseball at 14-28.

Tyler Anderson makes his sixth start of the season (eighth appearance) and looks to build on an excellent outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the second game of last week’s doubleheader at Dodger Stadium, he logged a season-high seven innings and allowed just two runs.

Anderson enters with a 4-0 record, 4.04 ERA, 3.97 FIP and 1.09 WHIP in 35.2 innings pitched this season. In his career against the Nationals, he owns a 1-1 record, 5.33 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 27 innings (five starts).

Washington counters with rookie Joan Adon, who makes his first career start against the Dodgers. He took a tough-luck loss in his last outing against the Miami Marlins despite allowing just one run on five hits across 4.2 innings pitched.

Adon has just one win this season and leads all of baseball with seven losses. He has posted a 6.38 ERA, 5.47 FIP and 1.64 WHIP in 36.2 innings across eight starts.

Edwin Ríos is starting as the designated hitter for a second consecutive game and is in the Dodgers lineup for a third time in the past six. Max Muncy shifts over from second base to third base, which has Justin Turner available off the bench.

Tuesday is Trea Turner’s first time facing the Nationals since being traded to the Dodgers last July. Likewise, the Dodgers get their first look at Keibert Ruiz since the trade. Josiah Gray is slated to start Tuesday.

Dodgers lineup

RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
SS: Trea Turner
DH: Edwin Ríos
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
CF: Cody Bellinger
LF: Chris Taylor
2B: Gavin Lux

Nationals lineup

CF: Lane Thomas
C: Keibert Ruiz
RF: Juan Soto
DH: Nelson Cruz
1B: Josh Bell
LF: Yadiel Hernandez
3B: Maikel Franco
2B: César Hernandez
SS: Alcides Escobar

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