Dodgers Preview: LA Closes Out Ten-Game Homestand with Three-Game Set vs Struggling Nationals

LOS ANGELES, CA— After three straight series against National League West opponents, the Los Angeles Dodgers close out their ten-game homestand with a three-game weekend series set against the Washington Nationals. 

The Dodgers are riding high over their last ten games, collecting three straight series wins, including coming just short of a rare four-game sweep of the San Diego Padres last night.

Now, the Dodgers will turn their attention to a Washington Nationals team that has struggled this month. Before yesterday’s win over the Colorado Rockies, the Nats were on a season-worst eleven-game losing streak.

Despite the shaky season for Washington, this series is full of fun marquee match-ups, including Game One, which will see a pair of dominant left-handed starters toe the rubber with veteran Clayton Kershaw hosting MacKenzie Gore.

On Sunday, two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will also make his second start of the season after tossing one inning in Game One of a four-game series against the Friars on Monday.

One name that has not struggled for the Nations is outfielder James Wood, who is batting .267 with sixteen hits, four home runs, twelve RBIs, and seven runs scored in seventeen games since June 1st.

Pitching match-ups

Game One: Clayton Kershaw (LHP) (2-0, 3.25 ERA) vs MacKenzie Gore (3-6, 2.89 ERA)

Game Two: Dustin May (4-4, 4.46 ERA) vs Jake Irvin (5-3, 4.23 ERA)

Game Three: Shohei Ohtani (0-0, 9.00 ERA) vs Mike Soroka (3-5, 5.06 ERA)

Game Times

Game One: 7:10 PM PT, SportsNet LA, MASN2, MLB Network

Game Two: 7:10 PM PT, SportsNet LA, MASN, MLB Network

Game Three: 1:10 PM PT, SportsNet LA, MASN

Who’s in & who’s out?

The Los Angeles Dodgers happily welcomed back right-handed pitcher Emmet Sheehan this weekend where the righty made his first appearance since the 2023 season.

However, despite tossing four quality innings, allowing just one run, the Dodgers opted to option Sheehan to Triple-A OKC, preferring left-handed starter Justin Worbleski for the upcoming stretch of games on the road since he’s built up to six or more innings now.

Right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow faced hitters in a two-inning simulated game this weekend and could begin a minor league rehab assignment this upcoming week. The return of Glasnow will be another significant addition to a Dodgers starting rotation that has been decimated by injuries.

To make room on the 40-man roster for minor league pitcher Jack Little, the Dodgers also announced that they transferred right-handed starter Tony Gonsolin to the 60-day injured list.

15-day Injured List (2): Roki Sasaki, Luis García

60-day Injured List (11): Tony Gonsolin, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Grove, Gavin Stone, River Ryan, Kyle Hurt, Edgardo Henriquez, Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips

Offensively, the Washington Nationals are missing two pieces to their everyday lineup in veteran infielder Paul DeJong and young outfielder Dylan Crews, who are each on the 10-day injured list.

DeJong is eying a second-half return after taking a hit-by-pitch to his face, suffering a fractured nose. The veteran shortstop recently began a minor league rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg on June 19th and was seen wearing a protective C-Flap batting helmet.

Rookie outfielder Dylan Crews is also sidelined until after the All-Star break after suffering a left oblique strain in May. The former LSU standout has yet to swing a bat or resume baseball activities as he works on building up his strength.

Veteran right-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin is also set to miss the rest of June due to a right hamstring strain suffered last week while playing defense.

Right-handed pitcher Derek Law is also set to begin a minor league rehab assignment this week after being out since March 26th with right forearm inflammation.

10-day Injured List (2): Paul DeJong, Dylan Crews

15-day Injured List (3): Derek Law, Orlando Ribalta, Andrew Chafin

60-day Injured List (3): Mason Thompson, Josiah Gray, DJ Herz

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