The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Philadelphia Phillies in the finale of a four-game set. With a win, the Dodgers will successfully clinch their fourth consecutive series victory.
The Dodgers enter play only three games under .500 and 3.5 games behind the first-place Colorado Rockies in the National League West.
Clayton Kershaw makes his first start since May 1 after spending nearly a month on the disabled list with left bicep tendonitis. While sidelined, Kershaw revealed that he worked extensively to improve his mechanics for the first time in his career.
In seven starts this season, Kershaw has posted a 2.86 ERA, 3.68 FIP and 1.14 WHIP over 44 innings pitched with 48 strikeouts to 10 walks. He looks to limit the home run ball, as he has already yielded a team-high seven on the year. His velocity was a bit down before going on the disabled list, so that will be something to keep an eye on moving forward.
In 12 career starts against the Phillies, the three-time Cy Young Award winner is 3-5 with a 3.16 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 77 innings. Moreover, he has accumulated 86 strikeouts compared to 21 walks during the span.
The Phillies counter with Aaron Nola, who looks to build off an excellent start against the Toronto Blue Jays. In 6.2 innings pitched, he allowed only one hit and one run with 10 strikeouts to three walks.
Nola is in the midst of his finest season at the big league level since debuting in 2015. He is 6-2 with career-lows in ERA (2.27), FIP (2.72) and WHIP (0.98). Furthermore, he has racked up 67 strikeouts in 71.1 innings pitched while issuing only 17 walks.
Max Muncy is once again playing first and batting second for the Dodgers. He has been one of the team’s best hitters in the month of May, slashing .273/.388/.576 with five home runs and 15 RBI in 24 games.
The unquestioned hottest hitter on the Dodgers right now is Matt Kemp though, who leads the team with 30 RBI after driving in four in Wednesday’s victory. He also leads the NL with a .345 batting average on the season. He gets the day off against Nola though as he is 0-for-11 against him in his career.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Joc Pederson
1B: Max Muncy
3B: Justin Turner
C: Yasmani Grandal
CF: Cody Bellinger
RF: Yasiel Puig
2B: Breyvic Valera
SS: Kiké Hernández
P: Clayton Kershaw
Phillies lineup:
2B: Cesar Hernandez
RF: Aaron Altherr
CF: Odubel Herrera
1B: Carlos Santana
3B: Maikel Franco
LF: Nick Williams
SS: Scott Kingery
C: Jorge Alfaro
P: Aaron Nola
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