The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to turn their recent offensive struggles around as they prepare to face off against the New York Mets. After starting the weekend with solid performances that resulted in two victories against the Yankees, the team faltered in their following games against softer pitchers Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn. Despite falling short in the initial game against the Mets, the Dodgers achieved a noteworthy milestone, becoming the first team this season to force a blown save against Mets closer Edwin Díaz.
A key player to watch is Mookie Betts, who has missed the last four games due to a toe fracture sustained in a home accident. While Betts may not have had the best offensive start to the season, his absence has a significant impact on the Dodgers’ lineup, demanding more from other hitters. His fielding has also evolved remarkably, leading to increased challenges when he is not on the field.
In line-up changes, Will Smith is slated to start as catcher, replacing Dalton Rushing, who has been a regular in the lineup during Dustin May’s starts since his promotion.
On the pitching front, veteran Clayton Kershaw is set to make his second appearance against the Mets, looking to improve after his previous outing was cut short due to a rain delay. Kershaw, while not at his peak performance, has shown glimpses of his former brilliance. He has a remarkable record of 11-0 against the Mets in regular-season play, boasting a 2.00 ERA in over 100 innings pitched against them. This consistency against this specific opponent will certainly be a crucial factor for the Dodgers as they aim for victory.
The upcoming matchup promises to be exciting, with the game scheduled for Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. at Dodger Stadium and will be available to watch on SportsNet LA and TBS.
This matchup holds potential not only for Kershaw to further solidify his legacy against a notable opponent but also for the Dodgers to rally back and regain their offensive momentum as they look to enhance their season’s performance.