In rebounding from one of the worst starts to a season in franchise history, the Los Angeles Dodgers enter a key series against the Colorado Rockies four games back for first place in the National League West.
The Dodgers won two of three games at Dodger Stadium just over one week ago, which marked the first time this season the teams faced each other. They head into the weekend set facing some challenges, however.
Manager Dave Roberts adjusted his starting rotation by pushing Alex Wood back to Sunday in response to hamstring cramps he’s battled in recent outings. Thus, Scott Alexander takes the ball for his first career start.
Alexander is 1-0 with a 4.05 ERA, 4.42 FIP and 1.50 WHIP in 20 games this season.
Dennis Santana figures to follow Alexander out of the bullpen in what will be his MLB debut. Santana went a combined 1-2 with a 2.54 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 65 strikeouts across 49.2 innings pitched in 10 starts for Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Rockies counter with Tyler Anderson, who’s 3-1 with a 4.72 ERA, 4.95 FIP and 1.36 WHIP in 11 starts. He’s struggled some at home, going 1-1 with a 4.30 ERA and five home runs allowed in 23 innings.
Anderson has yet to face the Dodgers this season, and could pose a problem for a team that ranks 27th with a .679 on-base plus slugging percentage against southpaws.
The Rockies welcome back two-time All-Star second baseman D.J. LeMahieu to their lineup after missing almost a month with a strained left thumb. He is hitting .279/.350/.457 with five home runs and 13 RBI in 32 games this season.
Dodgers lineup:
SS: Chris Taylor
3B: Justin Turner
LF: Matt Kemp
CF: Kiké Hernandez
1B: Max Muncy
2B: Logan Forsythe
C: Austin Barnes
RF: Yasiel Puig
P: Scott Alexander
Rockies lineup:
2B: D.J. LeMahieu
CF: Charlie Blackmon
3B: Nolan Arenado
RF: Carlos Gonzalez
SS: Trevor Story
LF: Gerardo Parra
1B: Ian Desmond
C: Chris Iannetta
P: Tyler Anderson
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