While Major League Baseball mourns the loss of Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in position to celebrate Sunday afternoon. Having rattled off four consecutive wins, completing a sweep of the Colorado Rockies will clinch the National League West.
Rich Hill, who was originally slated to start Sunday’s series finale, was scratched out of precaution with respect to his blisters. Taking Hill’s place on the mound will be Brandon McCarthy.
The 10-year veteran was activated off of the disabled list, and last pitched for the Dodgers on Aug. 13. He took a step in the right direction, throwing a five-inning simulated game and showing signs of progress last week.
McCarthy faced the Rockies in his first start of the season. On July 3 at Dodger Stadium, he allowed just two hits and one walk in five scoreless innings pitched. On the season he’s 2-2 with a 3.63 ERA, 3.94 FIP and 1.27 WHIP.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he’s looking for improved fastball command, as it was something the 33-year-old struggled with after pitching through hip stiffness.
The Rockies send out Tyler Anderson in the series finale. In his previous start, the southpaw took the loss at home against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In seven innings pitched, the rookie allowed five runs (two earned) on eight hits. The 26-year-old faced the Dodgers twice earlier this season, coming away with two impressive victories at home. On Aug. 3, Anderson surrendered two runs on six hits and two walks in seven innings pitched.
His second start against the Dodgers came on Aug. 31, which very well may be his best outing of the season. In 6.1 scoreless innings pitched, Anderson allowed just six hits and two walks, while collecting five strikeouts.
In six road starts this season he’s 0-4 with a 5.10 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Justin Turner enters play 4-for-6 against Anderson, with a home run and two RBIs. Adrian Gonzalez comes in 2-for-6 with a double.
Along with a Dodgers victory clinching the NL West, Sunday’s contest also commemorates Vin Scully’s final home game of his career. Scully has been honored by the festivities the Dodgers have put on during Vin Scully weekend, and a division title would certainly make for a fitting last game at Dodger Stadium.
All Major League teams will hold a moment of silence before the start of the game, to honor the career and man that Fernandez was.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Howie Kendrick
3B: Justin Turner
SS: Corey Seager
RF: Yasiel Puig
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
C: Carlos Ruiz
CF: Kiké Hernandez
2B: Charlie Culberson
P: Brandon McCarthy
Rockies lineup:
CF: Charlie Blackmon
2B: D.J. LeMahieu
RF: Carlos Gonzalez
3B: Nolan Arenado
LF: David Dahl
1B: Gerardo Parra
SS: Christhian Adames
C: Dustin Garneau
P: Tyler Anderson
