The Los Angeles Dodgers capped off an incredible ending to their final homestand of the season, clinching the National League West on a walk-off home run in the 10th inning. With the division clinched, the Dodgers still find themselves competing for home-field advantage against their NL Division Series opponent, Washington Nationals.
The Dodgers open up a three-game set against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, with Kenta Maeda getting the start. Maeda was initially slated to take the mound Wednesday but the Dodgers elected to alter their rotation for the final week of the regular season.
Jose De Leon’s the initial probable for the series opener, was swapped with Maeda and now starts Wednesday.
During his previous outing, Maeda earned a victory in against the San Francisco Giants. In five innings pitched, he allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits, while collecting six strikeouts.
The 28-year-old has won five out of his last six starts, a positive sign heading into a scenario where he could pitch Game 3 of the NLDS. During his rookie campaign, Maeda has dominated the Padres, as he has yet to take a loss in three starts.
However, he has had different outcomes at Petco Park. On April 6 in what was Maeda’s Major League debut, he tossed six scoreless innings and chipped in offensively with home run.
On May 22, the right-hander surrendered four runs on four hits in five innings pitched, and didn’t factor into the decision. Facing the Padres at home on July 10, Maeda allowed just two runs and had 13 strikeouts over seven innings. On the season, he’s 16-9 with a 3.20 ERA, 3.53 FIP and 1.10 WHIP.
Padres managed Andy Green counters with Paul Clemens, a right-handed pitcher from South Carolina. During his previous start, he didn’t earn a decision in a strong outing at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In 5.2 innings pitched, Green allowed two runs (zero earned) on three hits. Clemens was removed from the contest after being hit on his wrist by a comebacker.
During his first season with the Padres, the 28-year-old has shifted between a starting and relief role. Clemens has faced the Dodgers twice this season, both as a reliever. In 2.1 innings pitched over those appearances, he has allowed two hits, two walks and one unearned run.
In six starts at Petco Park this season, Clemens is 0-3 with a 5.02 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. Opponents are hitting .290 against Clemens at home. In 14 overall with the Padres, the 28-year-old is 2-5 with a 4.11 ERA, 5.06 FIP and 1.49 WHIP.
In his lone at-bat against Clemens, Justin Turner doubled, while Adrian Gonzalez has just two walks against the righty. Howie Kendrick has the most career experience against Clemens, going 2-for-8, stemming back to their American League days.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
C: Yasmani Grandal
RF: Josh Reddick
LF: Andrew Toles
CF: Joc Pederson
P: Kenta Maeda
Padres lineup:
CF: Travis Jankowski
LF: Jon Jay
1B: Wil Myers
3B: Yangervis Solarte
RF: Hunter Renfroe
2B: Carlos Asuaje
C: Austin Hedges
SS: Luis Sardinas
P: Paul Clemens
