After dropping five of their last six games, the Los Angeles Dodgers begin an important four-game series with the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona has won five of six head-to-head meetings, including all three games at Chase Field.
The Dodgers enter play with a disappointing 12-15 record and faced a scenario where they could gain ground in the National League West standings with a solid showing against the resurgent Diamondbacks.
However, the likelihood of that happening took a significant blow with news of Corey Seager requiring season-ending Tommy John surgery. In what be a sign of things to come, Chris Taylor slides over to shortstop.
Kiké Hernandez receives a start in center field, where he and Alex Verdugo figure to receive plenty of opportunities.
On the mound, Ross Stripling makes his first start of the season, as Rich Hill remains on the 10-day disabled list with an infection in his finger.
The 28-year-old has been dominant out of the bullpen in the early going, having compiled a minuscule 0.68 ERA, 2.21 FIP and 1.26 WHIP over 14.1 innings pitched (10 appearances).
In his career against the Diamondbacks, Stripling has pitched to a 3.48 ERA and 1.13 WHIP across 33.2 innings with 30 strikeouts to eight walks. That’s in two starts and 13 relief appearances since making his Major League debut in 2016.
Arizona counters with former Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke, who looks to rebound from a poor outing against the Philadelphia Phillies. In five innings, he allowed 10 baserunners and five earned runs — ultimately being tabbed with his second loss of the season.
Through five starts, Greinke is 2-2 with a 4.80 ERA, 4.05 FIP and 1.13 WHIP in 30 innings pitched. He’s allowing nearly two home runs per nine but has limited walks, having only issued three thus far.
The 34-year-old has enjoyed mild success against the Dodgers in his career. He owns a 3.91 ERA and 1.33 WHP over 73.2 innings (12 starts) with 73 strikeouts to 25 walks.
Dodgers lineup:
SS: Chris Taylor
2B: Chase Utley
C: Yasmani Grandal
1B: Cody Bellinger
LF: Joc Pederson
RF: Alex Verdugo
CF: Kiké Hernandez
3B: Max Muncy
P: Ross Stripling
Diamondbacks lineup:
LF: David Peralta
RF: Jarrod Dyson
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
CF: A.J. Pollock
3B: Daniel Descalso
2B: Chris Owings
SS: Nick Ahmed
C: Jeff Mathis
P: Zack Greinke
