Cardinals @ Dodgers September 3, 2026: Dodgers look to avoid a sweep with Skubal on the mound, Ohtani out of the lineup

The Dodgers (82-57) dropped another frustrating game last night in extras. Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a no-hitter going through five innings, but gave up two in the sixth and two in the seventh while the offense managed to go 1-for-18 with runners in scoring position. They had a 5-4 lead heading into the eighth, but Tanner Scott gave up a leadoff double and two productive outs tied the game. Brock Stewart came on in the 10th and gave up two singles and a double for a three-run Cardinal inning, and the Dodgers scored the Manfred runner but went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning for an 8-6 loss. Today, the Dodgers look to salvage a game and avoid a second sweep in the last three series.

Tonight's #Dodgers starting lineup for the series finale against St. Louis: pic.twitter.com/XtNXpnrcXT

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 3, 2026

Finale in Hollywood pic.twitter.com/YG61xnDlq7

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 3, 2026

Tarik Skubal makes his sixth start as a Dodger. He’s coming off an emotional return start in Detroit that ended up arguably being his best start as a Dodger. He gave up a run on four hits in six innings with seven strikeouts and no walks and only needed 83 pitches to get through six. He only gave up one hit through four innings, but gave up a leadoff double in the fifth. He got two outs, but gave up a triple to Max Clark for his lone run. He ended up with a no-decision and the Dodgers won 2-1, giving them their third win in five Skubal starts. This is only Skubal’s fifth time facing the Cardinals in his career. His most recent start against them came in St. Louis last May and he gave up three runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Rookie Quinn Mathews makes the fifth start of his career. He’s been mostly good so far, posting good numbers in three of his four starts. He’s allowed four runs in 14 2/3 innings over three of his starts, but his overall numbers have been skewed by an implosion in Philly. The Phillies put up seven runs on 10 hits in five innings in that game, scoring three in the first and four in the third despite not giving up a homer. He’s only given up one homer in his four games and topped 100 pitches for the first time last time out against the Pirates. Matthews had a 3.27 ERA in 21 Minor League starts this season and struck out 120 batters in 99 innings.

Shohei Ohtani finally sits after looking very uncomfortable and striking out four times last night. Tommy Edman leads off and Alex Call serves as the DH.

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More on Ohtani.

Ohtani was primarily feeling discomfort in the right biceps and neck areas last night, Roberts said.

— Sonja Chen (@SonjaMChen) September 3, 2026

Ohtani is considered day-to-day and they’re still denying that he’ll need an IL stint. He might be available to pinch hit today or DH tomorrow, which tells me that he’s gonna be out of the lineup for five days and then get something amputated. It seemed like it was more of a neck/bicep issue for Ohtani rather than his knee, but still not ideal.

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First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM PT and will be on SportsNet LA.