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Phillies Vs. Dodgers Game Preview: Amed Rosario Part Of Platoon Lineup

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Sep 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Amed Rosario (31) runs after hitting a single against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to three games by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies for the first time in four opportunities this season, and now can clinch the series at Dodger Stadium while also taking hold of the best record in the National League.

Clayton Kershaw tries to bounce back from struggling against the San Diego Padres in what was just his second start since returning from left shoulder surgery. It was the first time Kershaw didn’t have at least one strikeout in a start during the regular season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downplayed any concern and noted there likely will be some peaks and valleys for Kershaw as works to get acclimated to pitching again. Particularly since his rehab assignment was only three starts.

Moreover, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior noted Kershaw has managed to repeat his delivery despite having the offseason surgery, and that further lends to confidence he will be successful this year.

The Phillies counter with Cristopher Sánchez, who has now pitched in parts of four seasons for the team. Sánchez is 7-7 with a 3.36 ERA and 1.28 WHIP across 21 starts this year.

The left-hander is coming off a rough outing against the New York Yankees in which he allowed six runs over 5.2 innings pitched.

With a southpaw on the mound, the Dodgers lineup includes a bevy of right-handed hitters. Normal exceptions are Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, but Kevin Kiermaier is also starting. Kiermaier is 0-for-5 with one walk and three strikeouts in two games with the Dodgers thus far.

Amed Rosario gets an opportunity to play second base and fulfill a platoon role the Dodgers have laid out for him. Though, Rosario’s last start prior to Tuesday came with a right-hander on the mound in the series finale against the Oakland Athletics.

Rosario being in the lineup bumps Gavin Lux to the bench amid his 10-game hitting streak.

Dodgers lineup

DH: Shohei Ohtani
LF: Teoscar Hernández
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
2B: Amed Rosario
3B: Kiké Hernández
RF: Andy Pages
SS: Nick Ahmed
CF: Kevin Kiermaier

Phillies lineup

DH: Kyle Schwarber
SS: Trea Turner
1B: Bryce Harper
3B: Alec Bohm
C: J.T. Realmuto
RF: Nick Castellanos
LF: Austin Hays
CF: Brandon Marsh
2B: Edmundo Sosa

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com