The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres conclude the Mexico Series at Estadio de Béisbol Monterrey with a rubber match that if the trend holds, should be an entertaining game.
Though, the Dodgers go into play with the disappointing and concerning news that Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to left bicep tendinitis. The starting rotation was already in a bit of flux, as Ross Stripling is starting in place of Rich Hill.
Hill was initially scheduled to come off the DL for a start Sunday, but the Dodgers opted to err on the side of caution for fear the humidity could cause more trouble for Hill’s finger that had an infection. Kershaw’s injury presumably also played a role in that decision.
For Stripling, it’s a second start within the week. Against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 30, he allowed four runs on eight hits in just four innings pitched. Stripling threw an inning of relief in the series finale at Chase Field.
Overall this season, Stripling is 0-1 with a 2.33 ERA, 3.63 FIP and 1.39 WHIP in 12 games (one start). Stripling is 1-3 with a 5.06 ERA in seven career games (one start).
The Padres counter with fellow left-hander Eric Lauer, who makes his first career start against the Dodgers. A rookie, Lauer has struggled in the early portion of his Major League tenure.
In two starts, he owns a 10.13 ERA, 4.55 FIP and 2.38 WHIP over eight innings with 10 strikeouts to six walks. In his last outing against the San Francisco Giants, Lauer logged five innings of three-run ball, yielding nine baserunners while ultimately being tabbed with a no-decision.
Matt Kemp and Chris Taylor are each coming off a three-hit night, and the two are tied for the team lead with five home runs. Kemp also leads the Dodgers in batting average (.330), slugging percentage (.549) and on-base plus slugging (.917).
Dodgers lineup:
SS: Chris Taylor
2B: Kiké Hernandez
RF: Matt Kemp
1B: Cody Bellinger
C: Austin Barnes
3B: Kyle Farmer
LF: Alex Verdugo
CF: Tim Locastro
P: Ross Stripling
Padres lineup:
RF: Travis Jankowski
1B: Eric Hosmer
3B: Christian Villanueva
LF: Franchy Cordero
2B: Jose Pirela
SS: Freddy Galvis
CF: Manuel Margot
C: A.J. Ellis
P: Eric Lauer
