The Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates open a three-game series at PNC Park on Tuesday, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for the Dodgers (9-2, 3.06 ERA), while Carmen Mlodzinski is lined up to start for the Pirates (3-7, 3.86 ERA). The Dodgers sit at 78-59 this season and lead the NL West, whereas the Pirates own a 61-77 mark and sit fifth in the NL Central.
Venue: PNC Park
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Watch: Fubo (streaming), with TV coverage on SportsNet PT and SportsNet LA
Injury notes
Both clubs are dealing with a number of injuries, limiting some regulars. The Dodgers and Pirates have multiple players sidelined, which could influence bullpen usage and late-game matchups.
Key players to watch
– Shohei Ohtani has mashed 45 home runs this season, ranking among the league leaders, with 85 RBIs and 124 runs scored. He’s produced a .276/.386/.600 line across 615 plate appearances, featuring a 14.8% walk rate and 25.7% strikeout rate, and 17 stolen bases on 23 attempts.
– Mookie Betts has posted a .250/.323/.376 line with eight steals on 10 attempts, contributing 14 homers, 59 RBIs and 82 runs.
– Bryan Reynolds is hitting .245 with a .310 on-base percentage and .717 OPS, 14 home runs and 68 RBIs in 558 plate appearances, while striking out at a 27.1% rate.
– Oneil Cruz has belted 19 homers, driven in 53 runs and scored 60, batting .204/.305/.394 with a 31.8% strikeout rate and 12.1% walk rate; he has stolen 36 bases on 40 attempts.
What to watch for
– How Kershaw handles a Pirates lineup that can surge offensively, and whether the Dodgers’ lineup can string together runs against Mlodzinski.
– The bullpen: with injuries mounting on both sides, depth and matchup decisions could play a crucial role late.
– Early scoring and momentum in the series opener could set the tone for the next two games at PNC Park.
Outlook
The Dodgers arrive as division leaders and look to continue their strong run with Kershaw on the mound, while the Pirates aim to pull off an upset at home behind Mlodzinski. With elite bats like Ohtani and Betts in the lineup for Los Angeles and Reynolds and Cruz capable of turning a game on a moment, a competitive game is likely. A solid start from Kershaw and timely offense could tilt the balance in favor of the Dodgers, but Pittsburgh will be looking to seize any opportunity to spark a series-opening win.
Summary
Two veteran teams collide in a key early-week matchup, with top pitching upstairs and dangerous bats in both lineups. The Dodgers seek to extend their division lead, while the Pirates look to capitalize on home-field energy to kick off the series on a high note. If the lineup clicks and the bullpen holds, fans could witness a tight, entertaining ballgame with a hopeful note for both clubs.