Dodgers @ Brewers Aug. 17, 2022: Cat Man vs. Dodger Killer

After a tough 5-4 loss last night, the Dodgers are back at it for the third game in this 4-game series — also a potential playoff preview.

Tony Gonsolin gets the ball for the Dodgers tonight. He’s coming off a couple strong outings against the Padres and Royals — 2-0, 0.77 ERA, 2.60 FIP — in his last two starts. He’s an eye-popping 14-1 on the season. I know, lolz pitcher wins, but it’s still staggering to see that record.

He’ll be opposed by Dodger killer Eric Lauer, who’s 6-0 with a 2.56 ERA in 52 2/3 career innings against LA. But, he’s a slightly version of the Lauer we’ve seen in the past. He’s a little more home run prone this year (1.67 HR/9), but he has also seen his average velocity tick up on all fastball, with most of his other offerings remaining about the same. His slider is 6th-best in terms of runs above average at FanGraphs (Gonsolin’s is 4th), but his curveball, cutter and changeup get hit pretty hard. I’d expect a heavy diet of heaters and sliders.

Tonight’s #Dodgers lineup at Brewers: pic.twitter.com/6EQDVukAZr

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 17, 2022

Trayce Thompson gets the start in center field tonight in place of Cody Bellinger, while Hanser Alberto is in for Gavin Lux. Austin Barnes is back and giving Will Smith a breather.

The Brewers certainly have a type in their lineup. Keston Hiura is a guy I thought was going to be quite good — and it was looking that way after his rookie season (.303/.368/.570). However, since then, he has struggled mightily — .204/.297/.391 with an ugly 38.4 K%. If you’re looking for some more recent data (i.e., arbitrary endpoints), he’s hitting .306/.393/.633 over his last 17 games (56 plate appearances).

——

Here’s some quick news.

Dellin Betances, former All-Star reliever with the Yankees, has retired. Had been in Dodgers organization.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 17, 2022

Dellin Betances was in the org and struggled mightily. He was released and subsequently retired. Tough break for the former electric reliever.

——

Ryan Pepiot is staying in the Dodgers rotation for at least one more turn, Dave Roberts said. They’d consider doing a six-man rotation for a bit.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 17, 2022

With the injuries and workload, a 6-man rotation may not be the worst thing. Might be nice to have Mitch White, though. Guess we’ll just have to settle for Dustin May.

——

Per Dave Roberts — Brusdar Graterol is expected to pitch back-to-back today and tomorrow with OKC to complete his rehab. Would rejoin #Dodgers this weekend if all goes well.

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 17, 2022

“Bruiser,” which is a far superior nickname than “Bazooka” for Brusdar Graterol, should be back soon.

Dave Roberts said Yency Almonte's return is TBD, but he's going through his throwing progression right now and, barring a setback, will likely throw off a mound when the Dodgers get home from this trip https://t.co/Q0VBqvd2li

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) August 17, 2022

Save us, Yency Almonte. You’re our only hope.

——

First pitch is set for 5:10 p.m. Pacific time. The game is on FS1, if you’re outside the coverage area.