The Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping to keep the good times rolling against the Washington Nationals, looking for their third straight win.
The big news from the lineup is that Shohei Ohtani is missing his third straight game, the first time as a Dodger that he has missed this many games.
Ohtani is nursing bicep and neck soreness, according to Dave Roberts, along with a sore knee from his work as a pitcher.
There is no timeline for his return, with the Dodgers just taking things “day-to-day” without a firm IL decision.
Dodgers’ Lineup vs. Nationals
1. Tommy Edman, CF
2. Freddie Freeman, 1B
3. Mookie Betts, SS
4. Max Muncy, 3B
5. Kyle Tucker, RF
6. Teoscar Hernandez, LF
7. Dalton Rushing, DH
8. Alex Freeland, 2B
9. Hunter Feduccia, C
Tommy Edman once again steps into the leadoff spot, where he has done admirable work in Ohtani’s absence.
Freddie Freeman is back after a regular day off as well. Will Smith is stepping out against righty Cade Cavalli, with Hunter Feducia returning.
Dalton Rushing gets his first start since coming back from the injured list, stepping up into the designated hitter role.
Kyle Tucker and Teoscar Hernandez also get bumped up thanks to their form.
The key hitters include Freeman, Muncy, Tucker, and Rushing, the four of whom are the names to watch given their recent success and roles in the offense.
Who is pitching for the Dodgers?
Glasnow is taking the bump again for the Dodgerse in his third start since coming back from the IL. Overall, he has looked sharp, but he has not been overwhelmingly dominant yet.
For a cerebral pitcher who has quite a bit of moving pieces in his delivery, Glasnow will take more time than most to get his mechanics in sync, but for the most part, he looks fantastic for someone who missed multiple months of action.
The bullpen could use a good start from Glasnow with length given they still have four more games left in his nine game homestand stretch.
