The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped a second consecutive game Friday and as a result fell out of first place in the National League West. They now turn to Brett Anderson, who is coming off a 2016 debut that he called embarrassing.
He lasted all of one inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing five runs on five hits. Anderson suffered a mild left wrist sprain after diving for a grounder hit toward second base, which prompted the early exit.
Anderson tested his wrist during a bullpen session this week in order to gain the green light for a quick return.
The southpaw twice faced the Cincinnati Reds last season; once at home and once on the road. In the start at Great American Ball Park, Anderson tossed 5.2 innings, allowed five hits, one walk, and three runs (none earned).
Cincinnati counters with a left-hander of their own in Brandon Finnegan. He’s coming off a tough home loss to the Miami Marlins. In 5.1 innings pitched, Finnegan allowed seven hits, three walks, and four runs.
Finnegan was sharp during a start at Dodger Stadium earlier this season, allowing just one run in eight innings. He did struggle in some sense with command, walking four batters. On the season, Finnegan is 7-9 with a 4.54 ERA, 5.81 FIP and 1.42 WHIP.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts makes significant changes to his lineup, with Adrian Gonzalez and Joc Pederson the lone left-handed batters starting. Kiké Hernandez fills in for Chase Utley at second base, and Rob Segedin in right field.
Roberts said after Friday’s loss he sensed frustration in Josh Reddick and intended to sit him against Finnegan.
Gonzalez, who enters with a 12-game hitting streak, is 1-for-4 in his career off Finnegan.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Howie Kendrick
2B: Kiké Hernandez
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
3B: Justin Turner
RF: Rob Segedin
CF: Joc Pederson
C: A.J. Ellis
SS: Chris Taylor
P: Brett Anderson
Reds lineup:
CF: Billy Hamilton
SS: Jose Peraza
1B: Joey Votto
LF: Adam Duvall
2B: Brandon Phillips
RF: Scott Schebler
3B: Eugenio Suarez
C: Ramon Cabrera
P: Brandon Finnegan
