After watching their bullpen implode in a 9-8 loss in the series opener, the Los Angeles Dodgers attempt to get back on track against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
The Dodgers additionally are looking to snap a three-game losing streak, which is their first such stretch since dropping that many in a row to the Arizona Diamondbacks from April 7-9.
Noah Syndergaard takes the mound for what could potentially be his final start if his struggles continue. He has allowed at least five earned runs in each of his last two outings and was particularly disheartened after a rough outing against the Washington Nationals.
“I’d give my hypothetical first born to be the old me again. I’ll do everything possible to get back to that,” Syndergaard said. “It really sucks. Right now I feel like I’m the only weakest link on this team.
“I’m going to go out there and compete to try and be successful with the other guys in this clubhouse. It’s just not working out.”
Syndergaard enters play with a 1-4 record, 6.54 ERA, 5.23 FIP and 1.40 WHIP in 52.1 innings pitched this season (11 starts). He owns a perfect 7-0 record, 2.22 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in eight career starts against the Reds.
Cincinnati counters with Brandon Williamson, who makes his fifth career MLB start. He has posted a 4.29 ERA, 5.14 FIP and 1.33 WHIP in 21 innings pitched so far.
One night after Reds top prospect Elly De La Cruz made his MLB debut, Jonny DeLuca is playing in his first big league game with the Dodgers. De Luca is starting in center field and batting eighth for his MLB debut.
DeLuca, the Dodgers’ No. 20 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, is the fourth player to make his debut with the organization this season. The 24-year-old hit .297/.378/.583 with 11 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs and 37 RBI in 49 games between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
DH: J.D. Martinez
3B: Max Muncy
LF: Chris Taylor
2B: Miguel Vargas
CF: Jonny DeLuca
SS: Miguel Rojas
Reds lineup
RF: Jake Fraley
DH: Matt McClain
2B: Jonathan India
SS: Elly De La Cruz
1B: Spencer Steer
C: Tyler Stephenson
LF: Will Benson
3B: Kevin Newman
CF: Stuart Fairchild
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