Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
Today, the Dodgers (89-35) have a shot at a series victory over the Pirates (60-66), as well as their 90th win of the season. Yes, that’s right, it’s August 23 and the Dodgers could hit the 90-win mark tonight. It’d be the earliest calendar date in a season on which they’d achieved that. They’ll look to Rich Hill (3.54 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 5.12 DRA) to get the job done.
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Dodgers
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Pirates
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4:05 p.m.
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Pittsburgh
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CF
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Taylor
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LF
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Marte | |
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SS
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Seager
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2B
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Harrison | |
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LF
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Granderson
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CF
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McCutchen | |
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1B
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González |
1B
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Bell | |
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RF
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Puig |
3B
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Freese | |
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2B
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Utley | RF | Rodriguez | |
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3B
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Forsythe |
SS
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Mercer | |
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C
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Barnes |
C
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Stewart | |
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P
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Hill (L)
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P
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Williams (R) |
It has now been 10 consecutive starts since Hill has allowed more than three earned runs. Hill will look to build upon that streak, although the Dodgers could use a bit more length from him, as in half of those starts he’s failed to complete six innings.
Trevor Williams (4.71 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 4.16 DRA) debuted in September of 2016, but still has rookie status this year. The 25-year-old righty relies heavily on his four seam fastball, which averages around 94 MPH and tops out around 97 MPH. Williams’ pitch mix includes a sinker, a slider, a changeup, and the rare curveball, per Brooks Baseball.
Williams faced the Dodgers earlier this season in Los Angeles, and it did not go very well for him, as he allowed eight runs (six earned) in just three innings pitched. It was his first start of the year, and just his second at the major league level (he started the season in the bullpen). It was his worst start of the season — until his most recent start, in which he allowed eight earned runs in three innings to St. Louis.
Justin Turner is getting a day off, with Logan Forsythe manning the hot corner. Austin Barnes spells Yasmani Grandal behind the plate.
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Yesterday’s spot starter, Brock Stewart, has been optioned back to Oklahoma City:
Brock Stewart's one -day visit is over. Kyle Farmer will replace him on #Dodgers roster
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 23, 2017
As the corresponding move, Kyle Farmer is back.
Both Yu Darvish and Clayton Kershaw threw bullpen sessions today:
Darvish & Kershaw threw pens back-to-back. Roberts watched both. The 3 are still in pen talking. Darvish set to pitch Sun for #Dodgers.
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) August 23, 2017
While Darvish is going to return soon, don’t expect to see Kershaw pitching at the major league level this week:
Roberts just assured me Clayton Kershaw will pitch in rehab assignment for @okc_dodgers on Saturday & not for @mlb #Dodgers.
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) August 23, 2017
Decision made that jumping from sim game to MLB game wasn't wise, a more gradual progression is preferred.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 23, 2017
