The Los Angeles Dodgers are on a six-game winning streak and have taken the last two meetings against the Philadelphia Phillies, but face the challenge of Bryce Harper returning to the lineup.
Harper is making his first start since receiving a receiving a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection last Sunday to treat a slight tear in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.
During his last 10 games, Harper has a .450 batting average with seven doubles, five home runs, four walks and 12 RBI. Included in that was a prolific showing that set a Dodger Stadium record for a visiting player by having three consecutive games with a home run and at least two extra-base hits.
Mitch White leads the Dodgers’ effort in slowing down Harper in what’s his first start of the season. The hope is for the right-hander to pitch three or four innings in the bullpen game. White is 1-0 with a 4.82 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in five games this season.
The Phillies counter with Aaron Nola, who went seven innings and allowed just two runs in the finale of the four-game series at Dodger Stadium. He exited with a lead but didn’t factor into the decision as the Dodgers avoided being swept behind a walk-off win.
Nola has at least five strikeouts in seven of eight starts this season.
Mookie Betts enters with a nine-game on-base streak, Freddie Freeman has reached safely in the last 20 games, and Trea Turner is on a 12-game hitting streak.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
SS: Trea Turner
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
DH: Justin Turner
CF: Cody Bellinger
LF: Chris Taylor
2B: Gavin Lux
Phillies lineup
1B: Rhys Hoskins
3B: Alec Bohm
DH: Bryce Harper
RF: Nick Castellanos
LF: Kyle Schwarber
2B: Jean Segura
CF: Odúbel Herrera
C: J.T. Realmuto
SS: Bryson Stott
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