The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached the final leg of their 10-game homestand as they welcome the Philadelphia Phillies to Dodger Stadium on Memorial Day for the start of a four-game series. They are 4-2 during their current home stretch and overall have won eight of the last 10 games.
The Dodgers won four of seven meetings with the Phillies last season, including a three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium. This year’s series marks the return of Gabe Kapler, who left his post as Dodgers director of player development to accept the managerial position with Philadelphia.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commended Kapler for his work done thus far, as the Phillies enter 29-21 and just one game back of first place in the National League East.
However, they are just 5-5 in their last 10 games and 10-12 on the road this season. They’ll look to reverse the tide with Vince Velasquez on the mound.
He enters 4-5 with a 4.18 ERA, 4.06 FIP and 1.37 WHIP in 10 starts. Velasquez had won three consecutive starts before an unearned run led to a tough-luck loss in his last outing. The right-hander is averaging a career-best 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
The Dodgers counter with Brock Stewart, who is receiving a second start since being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City but may be bumped out of the rotation once Clayton Kershaw returns this week.
Stewart has yet to earn a decision in four games (one start) this season, pitching to a 3.72 ERA, 6.11 FIP and 1.45 WHIP. He allowed two runs on five hits in four innings in his first start of the year for the Dodgers.
Although Chris Taylor has enjoyed success of late, he’s dropped from the leadoff spot to batting sixth. In his place is Joc Pederson, who receives a start in left field. Max Muncy is again at first base but penciled in the two-hole in the Dodgers lineup.
Muncy’s 17 RBI during the month of May are a team-high. His six home runs this year are tied with Matt Kemp for third-most.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Joc Pederson
1B: Max Muncy
3B: Justin Turner
C: Yasmani Grandal
CF: Cody Bellinger
SS: Chris Taylor
2B: Chase Utley
RF: Yasiel Puig
P: Brock Stewart
Phillies lineup:
2B: Cesar Hernandez
LF: Rhys Hoskins
CF: Odubel Herrera
1B: Carlos Santana
3B: Maikel Franco
RF: Nick Williams
SS: Scott Kingery
C: Jorge Alfaro
P: Vince Velasquez
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