On top of the bullpen again failing to protect a lead, the Los Angeles Dodgers finished Monday’s game without Brian Dozier on the field. He was removed in the top of the ninth inning due to dizziness, but he also underwent an EKG test that didn’t produce conclusive results.
Additional testing cleared Dozier, and he’s back to starting at second base and leading off for the Dodgers as they look to snap a four-game losing streak.
Despite the current skid, the Dodgers are tied with the Chicago Cubs for the best winning percentage in the National League since June 1, going 38-26 (.594) during that span.
Los Angeles receives reinforcements to their pitching staff Tuesday night as Alex Wood was activated off the 10-day disabled list for the start, and Ross Stripling may now be available out of the bullpen. Stripling’s status is dependent on how his sore back feels.
While acknowledging it’s not a subject that’s been broached, Stripling said he’s willing to play the role of closer during the time Kenley Jansen remains on the disabled list.
Wood takes the mound after spending the minimum stay on the DL because of adductor tendinitis. He enters 7-6 with a 3.58 ERA, 3.54 FIP and 1.17 WHIP in 22 starts this season. The southpaw will be backed by a Dodgers lineup that features a red-hot Justin Turner.
He enters play with a season-best eight-game hitting streak, batting .433/.485/.700 during that stretch. Cody Bellinger has also been stellar during August, hitting .421/.488/.605 with five runs, one double, two home runs, 10 RBI and four stolen bases in 12 games.
They’ll look to carry that success forward against rookie Andrew Suarez. He’s gone 4-8 with a 4.64 ERA through the first 20 starts of his career. The start is Suarez’s first against the Dodgers.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Brian Dozier
3B: Justin Turner
SS: Manny Machado
CF: Kiké Hernandez
LF: Matt Kemp
1B: Cody Bellinger
C: Yasmani Grandal
RF: Yasiel Puig
P: Alex Wood
Giants lineup:
RF: Andrew McCutchen
2B: Chase D’Arnaud
1B: Buster Posey
3B: Evan Longoria
C: Nick Hundley
LF: Austin Slater
CF: Steven Duggar
SS: Alen Hanson
P: Andrew Suarez
