The Los Angeles Dodgers look to conclude their six-game road trip with a .500 record by taking a rubber match against Philadelphia Phillies.
The Dodgers have gone 2-3 on their current trip, along with a 1-1 record against the Phillies after winning 9-0 on Saturday. They currently sit second in the National League West following their recent cold streak, trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks by 2.5 games.
Julio Urías was originally planned to start for the Dodgers, but he dealt with a setback that has delayed his return. Instead, it’s Caleb Ferguson being utilized as an opener for a bullpen game.
Victor González served as an opener on Friday and retired two of three batters faced. Michael Grove then took over and pitched four innings, but the Dodgers don’t have a bulk option Sunday.
The appearance is Ferguson’s first since allowing a walk-off home run to Kyle Schwarber in the series opener. It was Ferguson’s second consecutive loss, though Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he remains confident in the left-hander.
Following Ferguson, all members of the Dodgers bullpen should be available to pitch. The group includes Adam Kolarek, who had his contract selected. Andre Jackson was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City one day after completing a three-inning save.
Taijuan Walker is on the mound for the Phillies, who the Dodgers have seen quite often throughout his career. The 30-year-old spent three seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, along with stints with the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays.
Walker signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Phillies during the offseason, but has not lived up to his contract thus far. The right-hander has made 13 starts, going 5-3 with a 5.04 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 64.1 innings with just 53 strikeouts.
Over his career, he has been more effective, posting a 3.97 ERA in 962.1 innings with 859 strikeouts and a 1.24 WHIP.
Walker last faced L.A. on May 1 when he gave up eight runs in just 3.1 innings at Dodger Stadium. In his career against the Dodgers, he is 3-4 with a 5.25 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 12 starts.
Will Smith is in the lineup for a third consecutive game as Austin Barnes is still dealing with swelling in his right hand following a hit by pitch on Thursday. Normally, Barnes would be starting for the Dodgers in a day game after a night game.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
DH: J.D. Martinez
LF: David Peralta
2B: Miguel Vargas
CF: Jason Heyward
SS: Miguel Rojas
Phillies lineup
LF: Kyle Schwarber
SS: Trea Turner
RF: Nick Castellanos
DH: Bryce Harper
3B: Alec Bohm
2B: Bryson Stott
1B: Kody Clemens
CF: Brandon Marsh
C: Garrett Stubbs
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