The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the Oakland Athletics in a three-game series at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, starting on August 2, 2024. Despite recent struggles, the Dodgers remain atop the National League West standings, holding a 4.5-game lead.
The Dodgers, with a 63-46 record, have hit a rough patch, losing four of their last five games, all on the road. This includes back-to-back losses to the San Diego Padres. The team is dealing with significant lineup absences, including Freddie Freeman, who is on emergency family leave due to his son’s illness, along with Mookie Betts and Max Muncy.
Gavin Stone vs. Joey Estes
Gavin Stone is 9-4 with a 3.34 ERA and will pitch for the Dodgers in the series opener. Stone has been a reliable starter, striking out 82 batters over 107 2/3 innings. However, his last outing against the Houston Astros was challenging, as he allowed four earned runs on nine hits over six innings. Despite this, Stone has shown flashes of brilliance, holding opponents scoreless in three of his 19 starts this season.
Facing Stone will be Joey Estes. Estes is 4-4 with a 4.92 ERA and will start for the Athletics. Estes has consistently been present in the A’s rotation, averaging 5.1 innings per start. In his most recent appearance, he pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing just two hits. Estes has managed to keep opponents from scoring an earned run in three of his 14 appearances this season.
Series Outlook
Despite their recent struggles and player absences, the Dodgers are heavily favored to win both the opening and three-game series. According to Casino Rocket, the Dodgers are -265 favorites to win the series and -165 to win the opening game. This is the final series between the two in-state teams and the Dodgers’ final appearance at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, as the A’s will play in Sacramento for the next two seasons before moving to Las Vegas.
Injury Updates
Mookie Betts, the eight-time All-Star, is progressing in his recovery from a left-hand fracture sustained on June 17. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently revealed that Betts has been cleared to start hitting soft toss and off a tee. This is a significant step forward in his rehabilitation process. Betts has been able to participate in most baseball activities throughout his recovery, including running and fielding ground balls. Roberts expressed optimism about Betts’ return, stating, “He’s swinging again. He’s taking ground balls, he’s running. So hopefully we’ll see him in a couple weeks.” While an exact return date hasn’t been set, the Dodgers are being cautious to ensure Betts is fully healthy for the crucial stretch run of the season.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ high-profile offseason acquisition, is currently on the 60-day injured list due to right triceps tightness. The earliest he could return is August 16. Despite the setback, Yamamoto expressed confidence about returning before the end of the season, stating, “Of course,” when asked about his potential comeback[8]. He has been progressing in his recovery, extending his long-toss sessions to about 200 feet. Yamamoto reported feeling pain-free and said, “I’m at the stage where I’m gradually increasing distance and effort. I feel it’s going extremely well.” However, the Dodgers have not set a firm date for his return, leaving his status uncertain as the trade deadline approaches.
Max Muncy
Max Muncy, who has been sidelined with an oblique strain since May, received an encouraging update recently. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes stated, “We still feel very strongly Max will be with us for the stretch run.” While Muncy’s recovery has been slower than initially expected, there are signs of improvement. The Dodgers are optimistic about a key “breakthrough” in Muncy’s recovery process, although specific details haven’t been disclosed. Muncy’s return would significantly boost the Dodgers’ lineup, especially given his postseason experience and power-hitting ability.
Walker Buehler
Walker Buehler’s comeback season hit a setback when he was placed on the injured list with right hip inflammation in June. After recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, Buehler struggled to regain his All-Star form. The Dodgers decided to give him a break to address his hip discomfort and overall performance issues. Manager Dave Roberts has been cautious about setting a timeline for Buehler’s return, emphasizing that his hip health and the quality of his pitching during rehab will be crucial factors in determining when he rejoins the major league roster.
Final Word
The Dodgers’ ability to navigate these injuries and maintain their competitive edge will be crucial as they aim to secure their position in the playoffs. The team’s depth will be tested, but the potential return of these key players could provide a significant boost in the latter part of the season. As the Dodgers face upcoming series against teams like the Oakland Athletics and Philadelphia Phillies, they must rely on their roster depth and the gradual return of their injured stars to maintain their lead in the National League West.
