Athletics Vs. Dodgers Game Preview: Lance Lynn Makes Debut, Mookie Betts Returns To Lineup

After losing another series at home to the Cincinnati Reds, the Los Angeles Dodgers now welcome the Oakland Athletics to Dodger Stadium with Lance Lynn making his debut with the team.

Lynn was traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Dodgers along with Joe Kelly for Trayce Thompson, Nick Nastrini and Jordan Leasure.

Lynn has had a tough 2023 season, going 6-9 with a 6.47 ERA and 1.46 WHIP thus far. While his FIP is 5.22 and belies a bit of bad luck, an ERA that mark would also not be setting the world on fire. There are some silver linings, however.

Lynn’s strikeouts per nine innings is the highest of his career despite the struggles.

“I’ve had some ups and downs this year, for sure,” Lynn said. “When you look at ERA, wins and losses, it’s the worst I’ve ever had in my career. And then you look at strikeouts per nine and stuff like that, they’re the best I’ve ever had.”

The Dodgers have a reputation for revitalizing pitchers’ careers, and Lynn also believes playing for a postseason contender will provide a boost as well. “Hopefully we can make sure the ERA and wins take care of themselves,” said Lynn. “And we keep the other things going in a positive direction. Maybe a change of scenery will help that.”

The Athletics come to Dodger Stadium with the worst record in baseball at 30-77, a .280 winning percentage. They are dead last in in runs scored, hits and on-base plus slugging. They are also last in ERA, WHIP and walks allowed.

Mookie Betts is back in the Dodgers lineup after missing the past two games because of right ankle soreness. He and the Dodgers look to add onto Oakland’s woes by finding success against southpaw Ken Waldichuk, who is 2-6 with a 6.38 ERA.

The A’s also bring a road show of fans to each stadium chanting “sell the team” at their ownership, who will be moving the franchise to Las Vegas for the 2025 season.

Dodgers lineup

RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
2B: Amed Rosario
3B: Max Muncy
DH: Chris Taylor
CF: James Outman
LF: Kiké Hernández
SS: Miguel Rojas