While the Los Angeles Dodgers weren’t able to notch a second consecutive win against the Atlanta Braves, they head into Sunday afternoon’s matchup with an opportunity to take the series. A victory would give Los Angeles a third series win and send them into an off day on a positive note.
To get there, Ross Stripling presumably will need to play a significant role. As the starting rotation has been decimated by injuries, the Dodgers’ relief corps has shouldered a heavy load since utilizing a bullpen game on June 1 in the opener of a weekend series at Coors Field.
Stripling completed at least six innings in three consecutive starts, but was tapered off to five innings in his last outing. The right-hander enters 4-1 with a 1.52 ERA, 1.99 FIP and 1.11 WHIP in 18 games (seven starts).
Stripling is opposed by Sean Newcomb, who also is in the midst of a strong 2018 campaign that’s garnered All-Star Game consideration.
Newcomb is 7-1 with a 2.49 ERA, 3.14 FIP and 1.19 WHIP, and has held opponents to a .195 batting average over his last 11 starts. The dominant stretch began after the left-hander allowed six runs (five earned) in just 4.1 innings in his 2018 debut.
Newcomb has not allowed a home run in his past 42 innings pitched, and faces a Dodgers team that’s hit at least one homer in their past eight games, going 6-2 during that time.
Justin Turner is out of the lineup for the fourth straight game in fifth time in the last six due to lingering soreness in his left wrist that was fractured during Spring Training. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Turner expect the soreness to be an issue for the foreseeable future, and with a day off on Monday, he opted to give his third baseman an extra day.
Dodgers lineup:
SS: Chris Taylor
3B: Max Muncy
LF: Matt Kemp
CF: Kiké Hernández
RF: Yasiel Puig
1B: Cody Bellinger
2B: Logan Forsythe
C: Austin Barnes
P: Ross Stripling
Braves lineup:
2B: Ozzie Albies
SS: Dansby Swanson
1B: Freddie Freeman
RF: Nick Markakis
C: Tyler Flowers
LF: Charlie Culberson
CF: Ender Inciarte
3B: Johan Camargo
P: Sean Newcomb
As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.
