The Los Angeles Dodgers take the field Sunday looking to finish their final home game of the regular season on a positive note by earning a series win against the Colorado Rockies. A victory on Sunday would also be the Dodgers’ 100th of the year.
After logging two at-bats in his first start since suffering a sprained left ankle, Justin Turner again is back in the lineup. He admitted to initially being surprised by the long absence but was encouraged in returning and with the condition of his ankle.
Meanwhile, Max Muncy misses a second consecutive game despite Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously indicating he would return for the series finale.
Muncy was removed from Friday’s contest due to quad tightness. He’s available to pinch-hit but may not be used anyhow; if that’s the case, Muncy will have three days off before the Dodgers are back in action.
As for matters on the mound, Hyun-Jin Ryu looks to get in sync with Will Smith. The rookie catcher has been the subject of speculation as one of the reasons the starting rotation has struggled of late.
It’s a premise Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has continued to push back against and said there isn’t any reason for the club to abandon attempts to get Smith and pitchers on the same page.
Ryu is opposed by Antonio Senzatela, who is 10-10 with a 6.83 ERA and 1.74 WHIP in 23 starts this season. He’s 1-1 with a 5.65 ERA in three starts against the Dodgers this season.
Senzatela has been particularly hurt by A.J. Pollock, who has gone 4-for-9 with two doubles and one home run against the right-hander. Joc Pederson is a career 3-for-12 with two doubles, one home run and two walks.
Dodgers lineup:
RF: Joc Pederson
2B: Gavin Lux
3B: Justin Turner
CF: Cody Bellinger
SS: Corey Seager
LF: A.J. Pollock
1B: Matt Beaty
C: Will Smith
P: Hyun-Jin Ryu
Rockies lineup:
SS: Trevor Story
CF: Garrett Hampson
3B: Nolan Arenado
LF: Ian Desmond
2B: Ryan McMahon
1B: Josh Fuentes
RF: Sam Hilliard
C: Drew Butera
P: Antonio Senzatela
