The Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for a highly anticipated three-game series starting Monday night in Los Angeles. Both teams are at the pinnacle of the Senior Circuit's winning percentages, and with just under two months left in the regular season, every game holds significant weight.
Pitching Matchups
The series opener will feature a thrilling pitching duel between two right-handers. Aaron Nola of the Phillies, boasting an impressive 11-4 record and a 3.43 ERA, will go head-to-head with the Dodgers’ Tyler Glasnow, who enters the game with an 8-6 record and a 3.50 ERA. Nola's consistency on the mound has been a cornerstone for Philadelphia, while Glasnow's agility and precision make him a formidable opponent.
On Tuesday, the spotlight will shift to a pair of left-handers. Philadelphia’s Cristopher Sánchez, with a balanced 7-7 record and a 3.36 ERA, will face the Dodgers' veteran Clayton Kershaw. Despite Kershaw’s uncharacteristic 0-1 record and elevated 5.87 ERA, his experience and skillset remain a crucial asset for the Dodgers as they look to rebound from their previous encounter with the Phillies.
The series finale on Wednesday promises another exciting matchup with Tyler Phillips of the Phillies taking on the Dodgers’ Gavin Stone. Phillips has a 3-1 record and a 4.39 ERA, while Stone sports a 9-5 record and a 3.63 ERA. This set of games is crucial for both teams as they look to solidify their standings and prepare for the postseason.
Season Context
Currently, the Phillies hold a six-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in their division, while the Dodgers maintain a 4 1/2 game lead over the San Diego Padres. Their performances in the upcoming series could be pivotal in keeping their respective leads secure. The Phillies have had a rough patch, evidenced by their 13-17 record in their last 30 games. The Dodgers have also faced challenges, with a 13-14 record since the beginning of July. Both teams are looking to find their groove as they push towards the playoffs.
Previous Encounters
This series marks the second meeting between the Phillies and Dodgers this season. The Phillies hosted the first three-game set in early July, sweeping the Dodgers and outscoring them 19-5. The upcoming rematch provides the Dodgers a chance for redemption, while the Phillies aim to replicate their success from the previous encounter.
Key Acquisitions
Both teams have made significant roster moves before the trade deadline, bolstering their lineups with strategic acquisitions. The Phillies welcomed outfielder Austin Hays, along with relievers Carlos Estévez and Tanner Banks. On the other hand, the Dodgers fortified their squad with several key players, including starter Jack Flaherty, reliever Michael Kopech, infielders Tommy Edman and Amed Rosario, and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier. Notably, Tommy Edman, despite not having played this season, is nearing activation and could provide a vital boost for the Dodgers.
Approximately 10 or 11 of the 52 players anticipated for this series were not with their respective organizations during the previous encounter, adding a fresh dynamic to the rivalry.
As the Phillies and Dodgers take the field this week, fans can expect intense competition and high-stakes baseball. Each game in this series holds the promise of thrilling action, as two of the league's top teams vie for dominance and momentum in the final stretch of the regular season.