Rays @ Dodgers September 17, 2019: Snell vs. Ferguson

The Dodgers (97-54) will take on the Rays (89-62) in this short two game series before Colorado comes to town this weekend. Tampa Bay badly needs every win they can get, as they’re currently only 1.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Indians for the second wild card spot. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are still gunning for home field advantage through the NLCS, and possibly the World Series should they make it. The Rays will send out the 2018 AL Cy Young winner, Blake Snell against the Dodgers’ Caleb Ferguson.

	Rays			Dodgers
	7:10 p.m.			Los Angeles
LF	Pham		1B	Freese
RF	Meadows		LF	Pollock
C	D’Arnaud		3B	Taylor
1B	Choi		CF	Bellinger
3B	Duffy		2B	Muncy
2B	Wendle		RF	Hernandez
SS	Adames		SS	Seager
CF	Kiermaier		C	Smith
P	Snell (L)		P	Ferguson (L)

The Dodgers will run out their right-handed heavy lineup against the left-handed Snell. Justin Turner is still out with his ankle injury, so Chris Taylor will play third in his place. The lone lefties in the lineup are the usuals in Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, and Max Muncy.

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Among 121 starters with 100+ innings pitched, here’s where Blake Snell’s shortened season ranks.

Snell will be making his first start since July 21, after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove “loose bodies” in his left elbow. He was having a solid season prior to the surgery, however he wasn’t putting up the ridiculous number he did in 2018. That’s in part due to a variety of factors such as BABIP, differences between his ERA and FIP etc. If you’re interested in reading more about it, check out this FanGraphs article from earlier this year. He sits 95-97 with his fastball, featuring a wipeout curveball in the low 80’s, and a tough changeup in the high 80’s. He’s really really good, and if he isn’t rusty, the Dodgers will have a tough task tonight.

Meanwhile, Caleb Ferguson will be making just his second start this season, with his first time being April 13 against the Brewers. Ferguson has struggled this year, most recently allowing three runs to the Orioles last week while only getting one out. There is some reason for optimism however, as Chad detailed in his article from yesterday. For those of you looking for more info in regards to Ferguson, definitely check this out.

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Roberts ruled out Stripling as a postseason starter, said he will pitch out of the bullpen, which is why he was scratched from tonight’s start and will instead pitch the bulk of innings after opener Caleb Ferguson.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) September 17, 2019

Roberts said that Stripling won’t be starting in the postseason, most likely implying that instead, he’ll be part of the postseason bullpen.

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Still out because of back pain, Alex Verdugo is hoping to be back for the NLCS. Tonight is his bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium. He asked the team to please include at least one of his many chains, and they complied. He is very pleased with how it looks.

— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) September 17, 2019

It’s Alex Verdugo Bobblehead Night at Dodger Stadium, unfortunately he’s still sidelined with his back injury. Having Verdugo back for the NLCS would be a boost to a team that thrives with having versatile bats available off the bench.

Rich Hill is throwing off a mound in the #Dodgers bullpen, testing his new mechanics and he tries to pitch through knee issue.

— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) September 17, 2019

You have to give the man credit, Rich Hill will do anything within his power to pitch meaningful innings again this season. The Dodgers can use his help in any role this postseason.

Justin Turner spoke about his sprained left ankle and said “If this was the playoffs, I’d be playing.” #Dodgers

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) September 17, 2019

An advantage that comes with clinching the NL West so early, is that it allows your starters to get rest and tend to injuries as needed. Hopefully Turner gets well and returns soon.

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First pitch is at 7:10 PT on YouTube.