Cody Snavely
The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for a thrilling finale to their six-game homestand, facing off against the unexpectedly strong 2024 Kansas City Royals, currently holding the second spot in the American League Central with an impressive record of 40-30.
The Dodgers’ offense has continued to be inconsistent this season. After scoring fifteen runs in the series opener against the Texas Rangers, they could only muster three runs in the next two games.
Los Angeles is still in first place with a six-game lead over the San Diego Padres but has lost five of its last ten games.
The Kansas City Royals, led by young superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., look to pick up where they left off yesterday after a walk-off win against the New York Yankees. However, similar to the Dodgers, they have also lost five of their last ten games.
Pitching match-ups
Game One: Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA) vs Cole Ragans (LHP) (4-4, 3.08 ERA)
Game Two: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (6-2, 3.00 ERA) vs Seth Lugo (9-2, 2.36 ERA)
Game Three: Tyler Glasnow (6-5, 3.24 ERA) vs Brady Singer (4-3, 3.50 ERA)
Game Times
Game One: 7:10 PM PT, SNLA, Bally Sports Kansas City
Game Two: 6:10 PM PT, SNLA, Bally Sports Kansas City
Game Three: 1:10 PM PT, SNLA, Bally Sports Kansas City
Who’s in & who’s out?
Not much has changed on the Dodgers’ injury side, as players such as Joe Kelly and Ryan Brasier are still far away from a rehab start. Brusdar Graterol is throwing again but has already been shut down numerous times.
There’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon as Clayton Kershaw, after a successful three-inning simulated game, is on track for his first rehab start next week, marking a significant step in his recovery.
Bobby Miller likely completed his last rehab start yesterday but could not get out of the fifth inning.
Prior to yesterday’s game the Dodgers also traded for left-handed relief pitcher Jose Hernández and transferred Ryan Brasier to the 60-day IL. Hernández is expected to join the team for the Royals series and since he is a Rule-5 draft player he must remain on the Dodgers 26-man roster.
The arrival of Cavan Biggio is a clear indication that Max Muncy‘s absence is likely to be prolonged. This is a significant blow to the team, as it explains the inconsistent production of the lineup.
The Royals’ young second baseman, Michael Messey, will continue to be out with a lower back sprain he suffered on May 26th.
Right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha is also on the 10-day IL due to a fractured foot and will be out until the end of June.
Veteran outfielder Hunter Renfroe‘s return is also to be determined. He is dealing with a bone bruise and has been a big part of the Royals’ offense this season, hitting .302/.371/.556 since May 12th.
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