Dodgers @ Braves June 26, 2022: Gonsolin vs. Strider in the rubber match

Tony Gonsolin, MLB’s ERA leader, is on the bump against Spencer Strider, a hard-throwing right-handed rookie for Atlanta.

After last night’s comeback that fell short, the Dodgers will need a win on Sunday Night Baseball to take the series from the defending World Series champions.

Today’s #Dodgers lineup at Braves: pic.twitter.com/69LXMWhfhZ

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 26, 2022

First pitch at 7:08 tonight at @TruistPark!#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/4YjLiyGCHz

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 26, 2022

Gonsolin, believe it or not, has already surpassed his career-high in innings pitched at 68 1/3. Despite that, his peripherals are not the best has ever posted. He’s benefiting from a 90.9 LOB% and 42.9 GB%. His FIP is 3.44, which is solid, but he’s vastly outpitching it right now. There’s likely to be regression to the mean, but he’s been a bit of a godsend so far this season as the Dodgers have dealt with a myriad of injuries to the starting rotation.

Despite that, his Statcast numbers are still strong.

And then there’s this.

From @EliasSports: Tony Gonsolin has made 40 starts in MLB and he is 16–4 with a 2.20 ERA in those games — the 2nd-lowest ERA for any pitcher since 1950 over his first 40 starts in the majors. Only Vida Blue (1969–1971 Athletics) had a lower ERA over his first 40 starts (1.99)

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 26, 2022

Never a bad thing to be mentioned in the same breath as Vida Blue.

Chris Taylor is getting the day off as he’s in the midst of a 1-for-15 mini slump. Eddy Alvarez and Zach McKinstry are manning the corner outfield spots. Everything else is status quo.

This game caps an emotional weekend for Freddie Freeman in his return to Atlanta. He’s 2-for-7 with a couple walks and four strikeouts. It could be a bit of nerves, but it’d be cool to see him finish the weekend with a bang.

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Some notes.

More #Dodgers notes from Roberts:

–– Still no baseball activity yet for Mookie Betts. He's still feeling the same

–– Still no discussion about stretching out David Price as a starter, but he could see more leverage relief innings if he keeps throwing like he did last night

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) June 26, 2022

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David Price with the indisputably correct take.

Their body. Their choice. PERIOD.

— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) June 26, 2022

Not sure why that’s so hard to comprehend.