Dodgers @ Giants May 17, 2017: Kershaw v. Cueto, Vol. 2

(Via)

As seems to be the case recently, the Dodgers are struggling in San Francisco. They’ve dropped the first two games of this series and send Clayton Kershaw to the mound to try to be the stopper. The Giants are countering with Johnny Cueto.

Yep, checks out.

Dodgers
Giants
12:45 p.m.
San Francisco
1B
Utley
3B
Nunez
SS
Seager
LF
Ruggiano
3B
Turner
SS
Arroyo
LF
Bellinger
C
Posey
C
Grandal
1B
Morse
2B
Taylor
RF
Williamson
CF
Pederson 2B Panik
RF
Puig
CF
Hernandez
P
Kershaw (L)
P
Cueto (R)

Cueto got the best of Kershaw in their first matchup 16 days ago when Cueto allowed three runs in seven innings while Kershaw allowed four runs in six innings. Cueto’s pitching better this month (2.86 ERA, 2.89 FIP, 7 1/3 IP/GS, 25.6 K%, 5.8 BB%). In fact, he’s pitching a little better overall than Kershaw is in May (2.66 ERA, 3.91 FIP, 6.8 IP/GS, 22.2 K%, 6.2 BB%), but the fact it feels like Kershaw has been struggling — despite those numbers — shows just how spoiled we are as Dodger fans.

With Joc Pederson struggling, Chase Utley moves into the leadoff spot against a right-hander. The 2 through 6 spots are no surprise, with Pederson and Yasiel Puig bringing up the rear. I’m fine with this, as Joc has looked really bad for a majority of the season. A deep dive on his struggles is coming.

After scoring five runs in two games, the Dodgers are going to need Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger and future NL MVP Chris Taylor to get their bats going today.

Some news:

Eric points out Sunday is the first day Kenta Maeda can come off the disabled list. The Dodgers would need to make room for him on the active roster, though.

Odrisamer Despaigne was just recalled by the Marlins, so there’s a chance he could get the call.

Walker Buehler, unicorn. But still, don’t expect him to be in the majors this season.

Also, Adrian Gonzalez and Logan Forsythe are rehabbing with the Quakes tonight. Get well soon, chaps.

About Dustin Nosler

Avatar photo
Dustin Nosler began writing about the Dodgers in July 2009 at his blog, Feelin' Kinda Blue. He co-hosted a weekly podcast with Jared Massey called Dugout Blues. He was a contributor/editor at The Hardball Times and True Blue LA. He graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with his bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in digital media. While at CSUS, he worked for the student-run newspaper The State Hornet for three years, culminating with a 1-year term as editor-in-chief. He resides in Stockton, Calif.