The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached the final leg of their road trip with the start of a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox.
It’s the first time Mookie Betts is playing at Fenway Park since being traded to the Dodgers in February 2020. That would have applied to J.D. Martinez as well, but he’s at Camelback Ranch since being put on the 10-day injured list due to left groin tightness.
The weekend series also marks a return for Ryan Brasier and Kiké Hernández. Joe Kelly is on the 15-day IL because of right elbow/forearm inflammation. Meanwhile, Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin, Justin Turner and Alex Verdugo are also facing their former team.
Betts has been as advertised since joining the Dodgers, but taken his play to another level of late and it’s thrust him into the national conversation for another MVP Award.
After logging nine hits in 13 plate appearances against the Cleveland Guardians, including a career-high-tying five-hit performance, Betts raised his batting average to .310 and is the current Major League leader with a 7.0 fWAR.
Betts’ return to Fenway Park comes during his hottest stretch of play, as he’s posted a 1.334 on-base plus slugging percentage during the month of August.
Betts should expect a loud ovation from Red Sox fans, and he’shopeful to avoid receiving an automatic ball for the likely pitch clock violation.
Lance Lynn gets the ball for his 25th start of the year, and his fifth with the Dodgers. The right-hander has been terrific in his 25 innings of work, carrying a 3-0 record with a 1.44 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and a 3.95 FIP.
Lynn heads into the outing riding a 15-inning scoreless streak.
Kutter Crawford makes his 25th appearance (17th start) this season, and in 96 innings pitched he’s posted a 3.66 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and .226 batting average allowed. In the month of August, the 27-year-old owns a 2.84 ERA in four starts.
Crawford was very effective as a reliever early in the season for the Red Sox bullpen, but with a need for starters, he became a solid option in the rotation. He faces a Dodgers lineup that ranks as the fourth-best offense in MLB against righties, led by two MVP candidates in Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Verdugo is in the leadoff spot of the Red Sox lineup and Turner is batting third as the designated hitter.
How to watch Dodgers on Apple TV+
The series opener between the Dodgers and Red Sox is an exclusive Apple TV+ stream for their “Friday Night Baseball” programming.
Fans can watch on any internet device where Apple TV+ can be found, including iPad, iPhone, Apple TV 4K and HD, Mac, and on tv.apple.com. Android phones are notably one of the only devices that does not support Apple TV+.
A paid Apple TV+ subscription is required to watch all MLB games. The service is available for $6.99 a month, but new subscribers can obtain a free trial period.
Dodgers lineup
2B: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
LF: David Peralta
CF: Kiké Hernández
RF: Jason Heyward
DH: Michael Busch
SS: Miguel Rojas
Red Sox lineup
RF: Alex Verdugo
3B: Rafael Devers
DH: Justin Turner
LF: Masataka Yoshida
CF: Adam Duvall
1B: Triston Casas
SS: Trevor Story
C: Reese McGuire
2B: Pablo Reyes
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