Separate streaks were snapped Thursday night, which was positive for the Washington Nationals and negative for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who now look to rebound against a struggling National League East team.
The Nationals went into the series mired in a four-game losing streak, while the Dodgers had won three in a row and 10 consecutive games at Dodger Stadium. They figure to be in position to put a shut out loss behind them by facing Anibal Sanchez.
His 5.40 walks per nine innings this season is the third-worst mark in baseball for pitchers with at least 30 innings. Meanwhile, the Dodgers lead the Majors with 171 walks.
In facing a right-hander their lineup features a left-handed batter in four of the first five spots. One of which is Max Muncy, who is batting second and starting at third base in what’s a night off for Justin Turner.
Sanchez takes the mound having lost four consecutive starts and 0-5 with a 5.15 ERA. He made two starts against the Dodgers last season while with the Atlanta Braves, going 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA.
L.A. counters with Kenta Maeda for his eighth start in what’s been an inconsistent season. He has four starts with three earned runs or fewer allowed, but also three outings of at least four earned runs.
The Dodgers have yet to announce it but they are expected to recall Rocky Gale from Triple-A Oklahoma City. It’s possible his arrival does not occur until just before or after first pitch. Gale is joining the Dodgers in a corresponding move to trading Travis d’Arnaud.
Corey Seager was scheduled to start at shortstop but was scratched from the lineup just over 20 minutes before the game began.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Joc Pederson
3B: Max Muncy
RF: Cody Bellinger
1B: David Freese
2B: Kiké Hernandez
CF: Alex Verdugo
SS: Chris Taylor
C: Austin Barnes
P: Kenta Maeda
Nationals lineup:
RF: Adam Eaton
CF: Victor Robles
3B: Anthony Rendon
1B: Howie Kendrick
LF: Gerardo Parra
C: Kurt Suzuki
2B: Brian Dozier
SS: Wilmer Difo
P: Anibal Sanchez
