Dodgers News: Pitching Preview vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Los Angeles Dodgers closed out their home stand strong sweeping the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. The Dodgers had their final day off of June on Thursday as they traveled to Pittsburgh to begin their 7-game road trip.

The Dodgers will begin their road trip with a 4-game series vs. the Pirates before taking on the Milwaukee Brewers for 3-games.

#Dodgers 7-Game Road Trip … pic.twitter.com/GgaskfhzX2

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 24, 2016

As they start their series on Friday many wondered who the Dodgers will put on the mound. Well, while waiting on the status of starters Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu, the Dodgers will bring up a player who hasn’t pitched in almost three seasons. This is just one of the many intriguing storylines as the Dodgers close out the month of June.

Friday: RHP Nick Tepesch

To kick off the four-game set with Pittsburgh (34-39), Nick Tepesch will get the ball for the Dodgers in his first start since 2014 when he was with the Texas Rangers. He will be opposed by Pittsburgh starter Jameson Taillon. After facing Bryce Harper in the last series (drafted #1 overall in the 2010 MLB Draft), the Dodgers will get their crack at Taillon, who was drafted one pick behind Harper at number two. The 24-year-old rookie has made three starts for the Pirates with his last being the most mediocre, giving up four runs on eight hits.

Nick Tepesch's contract is expected to be purchased from @okc_dodgers. A corresponding roster move will be announced Friday.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 23, 2016

New Day New Series. pic.twitter.com/3nawphU6ky

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 24, 2016

Saturday: RHP Kenta Maeda

Kenta Maeda will look for his seventh win in the major leagues as he opposes Pittsburgh left-hander Jeff Locke. Maeda threw six innings in his last start against Milwaukee and gave up one run while striking out eight Brewers. Locke delivered a gem last time out, pitching into the seventh inning while matching up with Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner. The Pirates’ bullpen ultimately failed Locke as the Giants went on to win 1-0.

By the way, have you noticed Kenta Maeda's past five starts? He has a 1.52 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) June 19, 2016

King Kenta on the Mound on Sat. pic.twitter.com/VEMLD5iD8l

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 24, 2016

Sunday: LHP Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw will start under the bright lights of PNC Park on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Kershaw’s historic pace continues as he carries his 11-1 record with a 1.57 ERA and 141 strikeouts. Pittsburgh has yet to name a starter for Sunday night’s game.

.@ClaytonKersh22 continues to be unfair. https://t.co/e7brpN17Tq https://t.co/aMOkqU4Ws6

— MLB (@MLB) June 21, 2016

Yeah … I wouldn't know who to start vs. Kershaw either. pic.twitter.com/iihaQ7muLc

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 24, 2016

Monday: LHP Scott Kazmir

The unusual Friday through Monday four-game series concludes with Scott Kazmir facing Francisco Liriano. Both pitchers have posted ERAs above four in each of their last three starts and are struggling with their mechanics. The Pirates do have one thing going for them with Liriano on the mound, or more-or-less in the batter’s box.

Francisco Liriano has the highest average of anyone in tonight's Pirates lineup… pic.twitter.com/F6KynncQpp

— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) June 22, 2016

Monday Night. pic.twitter.com/PDB1Xf5y5A

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 24, 2016

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