The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped the series opener against the New York Mets on Friday as they have been on a bit of a skid lately with just two wins in their past seven games.
They are looking to avoid a third consecutive series loss, which would represent a first since June 2-11 of last season. The Dodgers have not lost three home series in a row since Aug. 3-22, 2018, but that was across two homestands.
Gavin Stone is back on the mound following the best start he has had. Stone pitched a career-high 6.2 innings while only allowing two runs. Stone carried a perfect game into the sixth inning and maintained composure when Jurickson Profar attempted to throw him off rhythm.
In addition to using his entire pitch mix, Stone also changed usage with an uptick in sinkers that proved to be successful. Stone threw his sinker 36% of the time against the San Diego Padres, which was a noticeable increase from his 27.7% average on the season.
Stone’s changeup remains his most dominant pitch as opponents have a .143 batting average and .190 slugging percentage against it.
Stone may be under added pressure Saturday afternoon as the Dodgers offense has hit a rut. Freddie Freeman is hitless over the last three games and Mookie Betts is 0-for-8 since since a five-hit game Tuesday.
The Dodgers lineup faces a difficult test in facing Mets starter José Buttó. The right-hander is enjoying an excellent start to his 2024 season, pitching to a 0.75 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and collecting 15 strikeouts in 12 innings through two outings.
Buttó signed with the Mets as an international free agent on June 2, 2017, and made his MLB debut in 2022. He has seen limited Major League action with only 46 innings pitched the previous two seasons. Batters have yet to get a hit off of Buttó’s fastball and slider this season. Buttó’s in particular has been effective with a 62.5% whiff rate.
Both teams made roster moves prior to the afternoon matchup, with the Dodgers placing Kyle Hurt on the 15-day injured list because of right shoulder inflammation and recalling Nick Ramirez.
The Mets put Francisco Alvarez on the 10-day IL due to a sprained left thumb and selected the contract of Tomas Nido.
Dodgers lineup
SS: Mookie Betts
DH: Shohei Ohtani
1B: Freddie Freeman
LF: Teoscar Hernández
3B: Max Muncy
CF: James Outman
RF: Andy Pages
2B: Gavin Lux
C: Austin Barnes
Mets lineup
LF: Brandon Nimmo
RF: Starling Marte
SS: Francisco Lindor
1B: Pete Alonso
DH: DJ Stewart
2B: Jeff McNeil
CF: Harrison Bader
3B: Joey Wendle
C: Omar Narváez
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