The Los Angeles Dodgers had their five-game winning streak snapped Wednesday night and now face a San Francisco Giants team that is fighting to remain alive in the National League Wild Card picture.
Whereas the Dodgers have already clinched the National League West title for a 10th time in the past 11 seasons, the Giants enter the series opener at Dodger Stadium trailing the Chicago Cubs by three games for the final Wild Card spot.
Potentially working in San Francisco’s favor is their 4-2 record against Los Angeles this season, which includes a series sweep from June 16-18. That stands as the only time the Dodgers have been swept in 2023.
Thursday is the start of seven meetings between the Dodgers and Giants over the final 11 days of the regular season.
Emmet Sheehan is on the mound for his 10th start and 12th overall game with the Dodgers. The right-hander made his MLB debut against the Giants, throwing six no-hit innings but not factoring into the decision.
Sheehan is 3-1 with a 5.44 ERA, 5.13 FIP and 1.27 WHIP. Although he’s starting the series opener, Sheehan appears more likely to fill a bullpen role if included on the Dodgers’ postseason roster.
The Giants counter with their own rookie Kyle Harrison, who is making the sixth start of his young career. Harrison made his MLB debut on August 22 and is 1-1 with a 5.18 ERA thus far.
Harrison has allowed at least one home run in four of five starts, including a career-worst four to the San Diego Padres on September 2.
Albeit in a limited sample size, Harrison has fared better at Oracle Park, where he has a 3.52 ERA, compared to an 8.00 ERA in two road starts.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
DH: J.D. Martinez
3B: Max Muncy
2B: Amed Rosario
LF: Chris Taylor
CF: James Outman
SS: Kiké Hernández
Giants lineup
1B: LaMonte Wade Jr.
3B: Wilmer Flores
DH: Joc Pederson
LF: Michael Conforto
2B: Thairo Estrada
RF: Mike Yastrzemski
SS: Marco Luciano
C: Blake Sabol
CF: Tyler Fitzgerald
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