Dodgers @ Nationals July 2, 2021: Urias vs. Scherzer

With a 4th straight loss last night, the Giants’ lead in the NL West is back down to just 1/2 game. Now on a 6-game win streak, the longest since winning 8 straight between May 17 and 25, it will be a little more challenging for the Dodgers than it was yesterday.

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Statement from MLB (1/2): “MLB’s investigation into the allegations made against Trevor Bauer is ongoing. While no determination in the case has been made, we have made the decision to place Mr. Bauer on seven-day administrative leave effective immediately."

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) July 2, 2021

As has mentioned above, administrative leave runs for 7 days (and is paid), at which point the MLBPA must approve of an extension. The move is not being appealed.

Police say criminal investigation of #Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer 'bigger than we thought' https://t.co/XjZbw1HYAo via ⁦@USATODAY⁩

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 2, 2021

That obviously could mean a number of things, but at least there’s some sort of resolution, even if it may only be for 7 days.

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Max Scherzer faces the Dodgers today, his second start against them this season. On April 11, Scherzer allowed just 3 hits and 1 walk in his 6 IP, but lost as Clayton Kershaw, Corey Knebel, Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen shut out the Nationals. Scherzer’s only run allowed came on a Zach McKinstry double to score Max Muncy. McKinstry actually drove in all 3 runs in the game, homering off of Tanner Rainey in the 7th.

Holding a 2.14 ERA/3.08 FIP/3.23 xFIP through 88 1/3 IP, Scherzer is still incredibly good with his 35.4 K% (6th in MLB) and 6.0 BB% making for a a 29.5 K-BB% that ranks 3rd behind Jacob deGrom and Corbin Burnes. He’s pretty much the same pitcher he’s been for awhile now.

Scherzer missed a little bit of time after leaving his June 11 start against the Giants after facing 1 batter. He came back from the groin injury with 15 strikeouts in his next 11 innings against the Phillies and Marlins, with this being his first start back in D.C. since leaving against the Giants. He allowed just 2 runs in those two starts, but did walk 5.

	4:05 PM		Washington D.C.
RF	Betts	LF	Schwarber (L)
1B	Muncy (L)	2B	Harrison
3B	Turner	RF	Soto (L)
CF	Bellinger (L)	1B	Zimmerman
2B	Taylor	3B	Castro
LF	Beaty (L)	C	Gomes
SS	Lux (L)	CF	Robles
C	Barnes	SS	Arteaga
P	Urias (L)	P	Scherzer

Needing another player on the roster, the Dodgers called up Brusdar Graterol. That seems like it may have been out of convenience with the White House visit, so we will see how long he sticks in the majors given this comment.

Dave Roberts said they’ll bring up an arm “with more length” tomorrow. They’ll discuss stretching out David Price, too.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 2, 2021

Scott Alexander is eligible to come off the 60-day IL I believe today, though he isn’t really a guy with more length. David Price‘s role as a lefty in the bullpen could theoretically be filled by Alexander should he move into the rotation in some way. For now, Sunday will be a bullpen game and apparently that’s the plan for next Friday as well.

Next Friday is likely to be a bullpen day as well when that spot in the rotation comes up again. That would get them to the All-Star break.

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 2, 2021

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I am so humbled and honored ! Libby, Joe, Charlotte, Blake and Theodore Orel Davis we love you to the moon!

— Orel Hershiser (@OrelHershiser) July 2, 2021

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First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. PT.