After routing the Texas Rangers on Friday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers look to extend their winning streak to five games and take another series.
Trevor Bauer takes the mound in his 14th start of the season and he’ll work to improve upon his most recent outing against the Atlanta Braves. Through six innings his last time out, Bauer allowed three runs on a season-high six hits. He tied a season high with four walks.
The big topic of discussion following Bauer’s outing against the Braves was the spin rate on his fastball. Entering the game, Bauer’s fastball spin rate had averaged 2,835 rpm on the year. In Atlanta, however, that average fell to 2,612.
When asked what could have caused this sharp decrease, Bauer simply responded, “I don’t know. Hot, humid day in Atlanta.”
Bauer’s most recent outing was certainly an outlier among his body of work in 2021. On the year, he holds a 2.40 ERA, and his 103 strikeouts are tied for sixth across all of Major League Baseball.
Still, all eyes figure to again be on the reigning Cy Young Award winner and his spin rate.
Kolby Allard makes his third start of the season for the Rangers. Originally a relief pitcher, Allard has operated as a starter since assuming that role on May 27. Allard has struggled since moving into the starting rotation, posting an 0-2 record and a 4.00 ERA.
Prior to the switch, Allard held a 1-0 record with a 3.15 ERA bout of the bullpen.
Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy are out of the Dodgers lineup, as each of the two exited Friday’s contest early. Muncy left the game with right side tightness after just one inning of play. Bellinger departed due to what he believed was cramping but later revealed as left hamstring tightness.
Both Dodgers sluggers were deemed day-to-day, but Muncy then wound up being placed on the injured list less than one our before first pitch.
L.A. did add to their position player depth by calling up Andy Burns and optioning Mitch White to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Dennis Santana was designated for assignment in order to add Burns to the 40-man roster.
Burns starts at second base in his team debut.
Dodgers lineup
CF: Mookie Betts
SS: Chris Taylor
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Albert Pujols
C: Will Smith
LF: AJ Pollock
2B: Andy Burns
RF: Zach McKinstry
P: Trevor Bauer
Rangers lineup
SS: Isiah Kiner-Falefa
LF: Willie Calhoun
CF: Adolis Garcia
RF: Joey Gallo
1B: Nate Lowe
2B: Eli White
3B: Brock Holt
C: Jonah Heim
P: Kolby Allard
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