Game Preview: Dodgers Bullpen Looks to Improve Saturday in Colorado

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies

Time: 5:10 PM PT

Venue: Coors Field

Colorado Record: 61-55

Los Angeles Record: 64-53

How are the Dodgers Doing?

The Dodgers lost at Coors Field for the first time this year. Zac Rosscup picked up the loss as the team’s bullpen continues to struggle. They have blown the game in each of the first two games of the series.

Why is this Game Important?

With the bullpen remaining an area of concern, the Dodgers will need more than a couple of relievers to step up their game. The team will be without Kenley Jansen for about a month as he deals with his irregular heartbeat.

The Dodgers and Diamondbacks remained tied for first place in the NL West.

Pitching Matchup

Walker Buehler (5-4, 3.63 ERA) vs Kyle Freeland (10-7, 3.04 ERA)

Walker Buehler takes the mound for game three of the series. In his last start against Houston, he picked up his first win since July 8. The long ball has plagued Buehler of late. He has surrendered six home runs over his last four starts.

For the third consecutive day, the Dodgers lineup will bat against a former first-round pick. Colorado drafted Kyle Freeland with their first pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. He has performed like a first round pick in 2018, posting the lowest ERA on the Colorado rotation. He has been impressive at home, going 7-2 with a 2.18 ERA at Coors Field this year.

Matchup of the Day

Justin Turner vs Kyle Freeland

2018 has still been a quiet year for Justin Turner, with his injuries and low production this year. He has returned to the Turner of old with his play in August, though. Turner recorded two hits and scored two runs on Friday. He is batting .360 so far this month.

Turner is 8-14 with three doubles in his career against Freeland.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Dodgers: -139

Rockies: +129

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 53% chance of winning

Rockies: 47% chance of winning

Fun Fact

Despite playing half of their games in Coors Field, the Rockies have never led Major League Baseball in home runs hit in a season.