Dodgers Vs. Rockies Preview: Another Opportunity For Hernandez
With the division wrapped up, the Los Angeles Dodgers begin their final regular-season series Friday with postseason play set to begin for them Oct. 3. Needing some luck, the Dodgers were hoping to catch the Washington Nationals for the best record in the National League, but their win Friday put that out of reach.
Starting for the Dodgers is Roberto Hernandez. On the season, Hernandez is 8-11 with a 4.08 ERA. He has faced a difficult stretch of the season and has not earned a victory in his last four starts. The 34 year old looks to try to find a groove in an effort to boost his chances in making the postseason roster.
In four career starts against the Rockies, Hernandez hasn’t fared particularly well. He last faced the Rockies Sept. 15 in a Dodgers win, but the right-hander managed to throw just 3.2 innings.
Taking the hill for the Rockies is Jordan Lyles. Lyles, who played his first three seasons in Houston, has had a successful first season in Colorado and is 7-3 with a 4.15 ERA. In his last 10 starts, Lyles is just 2-2.
As a result of spending the early stages of his career in the American League, Lyles has only faced the Dodgers twice. In those starts, the 23 year old is 0-1 with a 6.57 ERA. In a combined 12.1 innings pitched, Lyles allowed 13 hits, nine runs and walked four.
One area of trouble for Lyles in the two starts, which came at Dodger Stadium, has been his giving up home runs — he’s allowed four total with three coming in one game. With essentially nothing to play for, the Dodgers lineup still features a healthy amount of regular starters.
Matt Kemp is not among them however, as he gives way to Andre Ethier in right field. Justin Turner replaces Hanley Ramriez at shortstop and bats in the cleanup spot. Lastly, Drew Butera takes over behind the plate.
In the last meeting between the two teams, the Rockies won two of three at Coors Field.
Dodgers Lineup
2B: Gordon
CF: Puig
1B: Gonzalez
SS: Turner
LF: Crawford
RF: Ethier
3B: Uribe
C: Butera
P: Hernandez
Rockies Lineup
LF: Blackmon
3B: Ynoa
1B: Morneau
RF: Cuddyer
CF: Stubbs
C: Rosario
SS: Rutledge
2B: LeMahieu
P: Lyles