The Los Angeles Dodgers look to finish off their homestand with a sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks, which would give them an 8-1 record during the stretch. At minimum, L.A. has already won all three series during the past week at Dodger Stadium.
It comes on the heels of the Dodgers trudging their way through a 2-8 road trip that dropped the team to third place in the National League West. “You look back at some games in the last few weeks, we didn’t close the gap, take the lead or cash in when we had opportunities,” manager Dave Roberts said.
“Like I said a few days ago, I just think the tide has turned and we’ve got some good mojo going on in our clubhouse.”
The Dodgers look to keep their momentum alive and extend a winning streak to four games with David Price on the mound for a bullpen game. The start is Price’s first of the season and ninth overall game.
He last pitched on Tuesday, collecting one strikeout in a perfect inning out of the bullpen. The appearance was Price’s first since spending three weeks on the 10-day injured list because of a Grade 2 right hamstring strain.
“Hamstring feels completely normal. I feel like it has progressed very well from the day that it happened,” Price said prior to coming off the IL.
“We did a lot of treatment on it, continued to keep my arm moving. I think that was the biggest thing for myself, being able to continue to play catch. That was good to not let my arm kind of regress. Hamstring feels good, I feel good. I’m excited to get back out there.”
Edwin Uceta figures to be among the multiple relief pitchers the Dodgers use, and he expects to attempt taking on the bulk of the innings. The Dodgers elected to use their bullpen game Thursday and push Trevor Bauer back to face the San Francisco Giants in the series opener at Oracle Park.
The Diamondbacks counter with Merrill Kelly, who is on extra rest. The right-hander allowed three runs in 6.1 innings and took a loss against the Miami Marlins on May 13.
Kelly is 2-4 with a 5.24 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in eight starts. He’s walked a minimum of two batters and given up at least one home run in five outings this season.
The Diamondbacks called up Josh Reddick and designated Yoan Lopez for assignment prior to the game. Reddick starts in his first game this season.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
2B: Max Muncy
3B: Justin Turner
C: Will Smith
CF: Chris Taylor
1B: Albert Pujols
LF: Yoshi Tsutsugo
SS: Gavin Lux
P: David Price
Diamondbacks lineup
1B: Pavin Smith
CF: Ketel Marte
SS: Josh Rojas
3B: Eduardo Escobar
RF: Josh Reddick
LF: David Peralta
2B: Domingo Leyba
C: Stephen Vogt
P: Merrill Kelly
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