The Los Angeles Dodgers continue their four-game series against the San Francisco Giants with Clayton Kershaw getting the start following some extra rest.
After losing on Friday night, the Dodgers enter play with a 94-59 record heading into the final nine games on their schedule.
All eyes are on the performance of Kershaw, who’s making his 23rd start of the season. The 35-year-old is battling through an ailing left shoulder, but in his last six outings since the Dodgers activated him from the injured list, Kershaw owns a 2.42 ERA, 6.07 FIP and 1.12 WHIP.
With the talk surrounding Kershaw having to do with his diminished fastball velocity, he’s walking a fine line in how few runs have scored given the expected data. But regardless, the left-hander is navigating his way, while experimenting with a changeup.
Kershaw is operating at less than his usual self, but on the season as a whole, he’s posted a 2.52 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, with 127 strikeouts in 121.1 innings pitched.
Saturday’s game is Kershaw’s first start against the Giants since April 12, when he allowed two earned runs on five hits in six innings pitched. The main factors to keep an eye on Kershaw will be his ability to command the outer-part of the plate with his fastball.
The Giants opt to go with an opener in John Brebbia, who’s made eight similar appearances on the year. He takes the mound with with a 3.41 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 43 strikeouts over 34.1 innings pitched (36 outings).
Giants manager Gabe Kapler figures to bring in a bulk arm, with Ross Stripling a likely candidate. They face a Dodgers lineup that has hit right-handed pitching well, ranking as the second-best unit in the National League.
Led by Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, Roberts pencils in his platoon options when facing righties in Jason Heyward and David Peralta. Freeman is looking to build on reaching 200 hits this season, a first in his incredible career.
Dodgers lineup
2B: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
3B: Max Muncy
DH: J.D. Martinez
CF: James Outman
SS: Miguel Rojas
LF: David Peralta
RF: Jason Heyward
C: Austin Barnes
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