After a comeback victory on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers now have the chance to clinch a series victory over a red-hot Baltimore Orioles team that has the third-best record in Major League Baseball.
Both teams are playing some of their best baseball this season, with each winning eight of their previous 10 games as they enter the middle matchup of what could be a potential 2023 World Series preview.
The Dodgers relied on multiple young arms in the first half of the season due to injuries, and that continues into the second half with Michael Grove making the start against Baltimore.
The 26-year-old has not found much success this season, going 1-2 with a 6.89 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 43 strikeouts over 47 innings. In his last start, Grove went six innings, giving up four runs to the Los Angeles Angels but picking up his first win of the season.
Grove has been utilized as both a starter and a reliever this year, while also spending time with both L.A. and Triple-A Oklahoma City. With the uncertainty of his role, the right-hander has tried to embrace his versatility within the organization.
Still, the results have not been positive for a pitcher whose best role is likely as a reliever rather than a starter.
The Orioles counter with Tyler Wells who has been a pleasant surprise for the organization this season. Previously claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins in 2020, Wells has been in the midst of a breakout season, going 7-4 with a 3.18 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 104.2 innings with 103 strikeouts.
The right-hander from California State University, San Bernardino, has allowed two earned runs in seven consecutive starts, and he last gave up more than two on May 24 against the New York Yankees.
The 28-year-old is prone to giving up some hard contact, which the Dodgers will look to take advantage of, but Wells relies on a five-pitch mix that makes it hard for hitters to find consistent quality contact.
Freddie Freeman has an MLB-leading 18-game on-base streak. He nearly hit for the cycle in the series opener against the Orioles.
Dodgers lineup
2B: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
DH: J.D. Martinez
LF: David Peralta
RF: Jason Heyward
SS: Miguel Rojas
CF: James Outman
Orioles lineup
SS: Gunnar Henderson
C: Adley Rutschman
DH: Anthony Santander
1B: Ryan O’Hearn
LF: Austin Hays
CF: Aaron Hicks
RF: Colton Cowser
2B: Adam Frazier
3B: Jordan Westburg
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