The Los Angeles Dodgers came out of the All-Star break in impressive fashion and now look to get a series win against the Colorado Rockies. Saturday’s matchup is the second of six head-to-head meetings in a 10-day span.
The next two weeks could prove pivotal in the National League West race as the Dodgers also have seven games with the division-leading San Francisco Giants. While that matchup is certainly more notable, AJ Pollock has emphasized the need to remain focused on the daily task and opponent.
That continues Saturday when Dodgers send Walker Buehler to the mound for his 18th start of the season. He enters at 9-1 with a 2.36 ERA, 3.44 FIP and 0.92 WHIP in 114.1 innings pitched.
Buehler ended the first half of his campaign on a strong note, tossing six shutout innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. He was one of five Dodgers selected to the 2021 MLB All-Star Game, but did not pitch in the contest.
Buehler now returns to Coors Field to face a Rockies team he has pitched well against in his career. He received a no-decision in his lone start against them this season but otherwise owns a lifetime 5-2 record, 3.99 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 17 games.
Colorado counters with Kyle Freeland, as the Chi Chi Gonzalez was needed to start the series opener because Antonio Senzatela was among several players put on the COVID injured list. Freeland looks to turn things around after struggling in the first half to the tune of a 1-3 record and 5.48 ERA.
Freeland has yet to face the Dodgers this season, but could give them trouble considering their ongoing struggles against southpaw starters. Freeland will face the challenge of what appears to be a rejuvenated Mookie Betts, who has put together three consecutive multi-hit games.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
3B: Justin Turner
2B: Max Muncy
1B: Albert Pujols
SS: Chris Taylor
CF: Cody Bellinger
LF: AJ Pollock
C: Austin Barnes
P: Walker Buehler
Rockies lineup
CF: Garrett Hampson
2B: Brendan Rodgers
RF: Charlie Blackmon
SS: Trevor Story
3B: Ryan McMahon
1B: C.J. Cron
LF: Sam Hilliard
C: Dom Nuñez
P: Kyle Freeland
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