The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to bounce back from allowing the Colorado Rockies to rally late for a win in the series opener on Friday night. Kenta Maeda takes the mound for his fourth start of the season, and he’s opposed by Tyler Chatwood.
Maeda enters 2-0 with a 0.47 ERA, 2.92 FIP and 0.47 ERA. The Japanese native has been impressive thus far in his Major League career, at one point throwing 14 consecutive scoreless innings since his debut.
Naturally, Saturday’s start is the first time Maeda faces the Rockies and pitches at Coors Field. In discussing the prospect of pitching in the hitter-friendly ballpark, Maeda said he plans to rely on the same command and pitch movement he’s renowned for.
The Dodgers’ bullpen will have a slightly different makeup in the second game of the series as Yimi Garcia was placed on a 15-day disabled list due to right bicep soreness. Zach Lee was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to serve as a long reliever if necessary.
Chatwood is 2-1 with a 2.79 ERA, 3.60 FIP and 1.14 WHIP in three starts this season. In his last outing, Chatwood earned a win against the Chicago Cubs with seven strikeouts and two hits allowed. Chatwood’s lone loss of the season came at the hands of the San Francisco Giants.
Justin Turner was spiked Friday night and isn’t in the lineup, but is available to pinch hit. Howie Kendrick moves from left field to third base, with Kiké Hernandez taking his place in left. Chase Utley once again starts and second base and bats leadoff.
Los Angeles currently holds a one-half game lead over the Rockies for first place in the National League West. In order to maintain their position atop the division standings, the Dodgers will need to span a five-game losing streak at Coors Field.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Corey Seager
RF: Yasiel Puig
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
3B: Howie Kendrick
LF: Kiké Hernandez
CF: Joc Pederson
C: A.J. Ellis
P: Kenta Maeda
Rockies lineup:
SS: Trevor Story
RF: Carlos Gonzalez
3B: Nolan Arenado
CF: Gerardo Parra
LF: Ryan Raburn
1B: Ben Paulsen
C: Tony Wolters
P: Tyler Chatwood
2B: DJ LeMahieu
