Dodgers @ Pirates Aug. 24, 2017: Ryu vs. Kuhl to close the series

(Via)

The Dodgers go for the series win in Pittsburgh this afternoon after seeing that fall through their fingers last night. Rich Hill‘s incredible effort was for naught. Here’s hoping the offense shows up today. That is, as long as the weather holds out.

Dodgers
Pirates
1:05 p.m.
Pittsburgh
CF
Taylor
2B
Harrison
LF
Granderson
RF
Frazier
3B
Turner
CF
McCutchen
C
Grandal
1B
Bell
1B
Gonzalez
3B
Freese
RF
Puig LF Rodriguez
2B
Forsythe
C
Diaz
SS
Hernandez
SS
Mercer
P
Ryu (L)
P
Kuhl (R)

In three career starts against the Pirates, Hyun-Jin Ryu has enjoyed some success: 2.79 ERA in 19 1/3 innings. The last time he pitched in Pittsburgh, he fired seven innings of 2-run ball … back in 2014. In fact, that was the last time he faced the Buccos.

Since a poor outing against the Reds on June 11 (4 IP, 6 H, 4 R), Ryu has been pretty solid: 2.22 ERA, 3.20 FIP, 17.8 K-BB%, .308 wOBA. He’s averaging 5.6 innings per start, which is perfectly acceptable for a No. 4/5 starter, which is what Ryu is these days.

Here’s hoping Enrique Hernandez dingers on his birthday, or at least plays well with Corey Seager getting a day off. Curtis Granderson is batting second. It’s the fifth different batting order position in his six starts (H/T Eric Stephen). Other than that, the regulars are in the lineup.

——

Someone should tell Eric that “TBD” is not how you spell “Clayton Kershaw“. (Yes, I’m keeping up this shtick until it doesn’t happen.) If it isn’t Kershaw, I’m all in favor of Wilmer Font getting a look.

OK, I’m a little less optimistic, but there’s still a glimmer of hope.

Dodgers are gonna have like 30 relievers in September.

About Dustin Nosler

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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.