Dodgers @ Nationals July 4, 2021: It’s too early; Happy 4th

Does 8 a.m. feel too early for a baseball game? Yeah, same. But that’s what’s happening today as the Dodgers finish their 4-game set with the Nationals.

The team that fully wakes up will win today

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) July 4, 2021

Yep. Oh, and happy Independence Day.

This is your biannual reminder that fireworks are bad.

— Dustin Nosler (@DustinNosler) July 4, 2021

I will not be taking questions at this time.

	8:05 a.m.		Washington D.C.
RF	Betts	2B	Harrison
1B	Muncy	RF	Soto (L)
LF	Beaty	3B	Castro
CF	Bellinger (L)	1B	Bell
2B	Taylor	LF	Hernandez
3B	McKinstry	SS	Escobar
SS	Lux	CF	Robles
C	Barnes	C	Barrera
P	Cleavinger (L)	P	Ross (R)

Garrett Cleavinger draws the start today against Joe Ross. Here’s what Dave Roberts had to say about the bullpen today.

#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also said that "everyone is available" out of the bullpen. Garrett Cleavinger will be the opener.

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) July 4, 2021

Well, everyone except Brusdar Graterol.

Edwin Uceta was recalled as foretold, and the Dodgers optioned Brusdar Graterol after pitching the last two nights

— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) July 4, 2021

It was reported yesterday Edwin Uceta would be up for today’s contest, and it make sense Graterol goes down. He’ll be back pretty soon, I’m sure.

He also had this to say about Albert Pujols and Justin Turner.

#Dodgers Dave Roberts confirmed both Justin Turner and Albert Pujols are off today and will be back in tomorrow.

— Kirsten Watson (@kirsten_watson) July 4, 2021

Old dudes need rest, especially when the previous game ended 12 or so hours ago.

—–

First pitch is in 30 minutes.