Game Preview: Dodgers’ Utley Pays Final Farewell to Philadelphia

Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies

Time: 9:35 AM PT

Venue: Citizens Bank Park

Los Angeles Record: 56-45

Philadelphia Record: 56-44

How are the Dodgers Doing?

The Dodgers have blown three-run leads in each of the past two games of this series. While the Dodgers won Monday’s outing in nine innings, the NL West leaders lost 7-4 in 16 innings on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s loss ended after 10 p.m. PT with the Dodgers and Phillies scheduled to play again less than 12 hours later.

Surprising the bullpen, which has been the weak link for the Dodgers, has performed for them. Excluding Kiké Hernández’s appearance out of the bullpen, Dodgers relievers have allowed just one run in 12.1 innings this series.

Why is this Game Important?

Barring a Dodgers-Phillies playoff series, Chase Utley will say his final goodbye to the City of Brotherly Love. The Phillies drafted Utley in 2000 and he belonged to the organization until 2015. The Silver Fox ranks in the top 10 in their franchise in games played, at-bats, hits, runs, doubles, home runs and RBI. Wednesday will certainly be an emotional day for both Utley and the Phillies faithful.

Pitching Matchup

Walker Buehler (4-2, 3.45 ERA) vs Jake Arrieta (7-6, 3.47 ERA)

Walker Buehler will become Los Angeles’ sixth starter in as many days. The 23-year-old rookie last pitched on July 13 against the Angels, allowing two runs in five innings. Buehler won his first career game in Philadelphia after throwing a shutout inning out of the bullpen on September 21, 2017.

The Phillies have won Jake Arrieta’s four starts in July. He defeated the Dodgers in May after throwing seven shutout innings at Dodger Stadium.

Matchup of the Day

Chase Utley vs Jake Arrieta

Utley has not fared well in his career playing against his former ballclub. He is batting just .208 in 17 career games against the Phillies. Utley is batting .333 in July and will definitely have the Phillies fans on his side throughout the game.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Los Angeles: -130

Philly: +120

FiveThirtyEight

Los Angeles: 55% chance of winning

Philly: 45% chance of winning

Fun Fact

Chase Utley first career hit was a grand slam against Aaron Cook at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia.