Dodgers @ Cardinals August 18, 2024: Clayton Kershaw starts the rubber match in St. Louis

The Dodgers dropped the middle game in St. Louis last night, as Bobby Miller continued his struggles and the offense only mustered four hits off Cardinal pitching. The Rays continued to help the Dodgers by beating Arizona, but the Padres beat the Rockies to bring the Dodgers’ lead in the division back to only two games. Today, the Dodgers look to clinch a winning road trip before heading home for a nine-game inter-league homestand. Clayton Kershaw gets the ball for the Dodgers, while Sonny Gray looks to bounce back from a rough start for the Cardinals.

Today’s #Dodgers lineup at Cardinals: pic.twitter.com/Jey3Jk51r6

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 18, 2024

Today's #ForTheLou lineup vs @Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw:

Winn SS
Contreras DH
Pham LF
Arenado 3B
Goldschmidt 1B
Donovan 2B
Walker RF
Pagés C
Scott II CF

— KMOX Sports (@KMOXSports) August 18, 2024

The Cardinals Twitter account used a bunch of Players’ Weekend nicknames, so had to go with a different tweet.

Freddie Freeman is out of the lineup after leaving last night’s game after jamming his finger on a grounder. The update this morning wasn’t great, as it was reportedly hurting more today and he couldn’t grip a bat. He’s still considered day-to-day and will get a CT scan back in LA. Max Muncy was originally slated to be activated from the IL on Tuesday, but he might return tomorrow if Freeman is still out. Tommy Edman is still scheduled to be activated tomorrow, and Blake Treinen should be back on Tuesday. Brusdar Graterol seems to be improving quicker than expected, and could throw a bullpen this coming week.

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The Dodgers made a bullpen move, as Ben Casparius was called up and Brent Honeywell Jr. was DFA’d.

The Dodgers selected the contract of RHP Ben Casparius and designated RHP Brent Honeywell Jr. for assignment.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 18, 2024

Casparius was Bruce’s 21st ranked prospect in his midseason rankings, jumping up from 46 in his preseason rankings. Casparius is up in case the Dodgers need some length out of the bullpen. Honeywell had a great start to his Dodger career, with six straight scoreless outings. He’s been used in bulkier roles lately and has struggled, allowing five runs in his last four outings. Three of those came when he was pretty much left out to dry against the Phillies after Graterol reinjured himself.

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First pitch is scheduled for 11:15 AM PT and will be shown on SportsNet LA.