Preview: Brett Anderson Looks To Put Dodgers On Brink Of NL West Title

The opener of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ final road trip this season didn’t get off to a rousing start as Mike Bolsinger struggled yet again. While the Colorado Rockies picked up a win Friday night, one came off the Dodgers’ magic number as the San Francisco Giants lost.

Los Angeles now turns to Brett Anderson, who is 9-9 on the season with a 3.52 ERA, 3.97 FIP and 1.33 WHIP. In his previous start, the 27 year old was roughed up by the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing five runs on 10 hits in a loss. Anderson has faced the Rockies three times in his career (all in 2015).

He last saw them Sept. 15 at Dodger Stadium and walked away with a no-decision after giving up two runs on seven hits. Anderson had seven strikeouts in six innings of work, though the Rockies won in 16 innings.

Over his career, Anderson is 1-0 with a 2.20 ERA against the Rockies. Including time spent with the Rockies last season, Anderson owns a 2.84 lifetime ERA at Coors Field. The Dodger southpaw is being opposed by Kyle Kendrick.

The right-hander enters Saturday’s start 7-13 with a 6.37 ERA, 6.32 FIP and 1.53 WHIP. Kendrick is coming off a loss to the San Diego Padres, who scored six runs on six hits, four of which were home runs.

In his career against the Dodgers, Kendrick has mixed results, but has not faired well as of late. In 13 starts and 16 appearances total, the Texas native is 5-9, with a 6.44 ERA and 1.72 WHIP. In 2015, Kendrick has lost all three starts against the Dodgers.

After missing the last two games due to what Dodgers manager Don Mattingly described as “heavy-legged,” rookie shortstop Corey Seager returns to the lineup. While Seager returns, Adrian Gonzalez was scratched due to a back issue that’s pinching a nerve.

Without Gonzalez, the Dodgers moved Yasmani Grandal over to first base and placed A.J. Ellis behind the plate. The Giants’ win Saturday afternoon means the earliest the Dodgers can clinch the NL West is Sunday.

Dodgers Lineup:

LF: Carl Crawford

SS: Corey Seager

2B: Chase Utley

3B: Justin Turner

RF: Andre Ethier

1B: Yasmani Grandal

C: A.J. Ellis

CF: Joc Pederson

P: Brett Anderson

Rockies Lineup:

CF: Charlie Blackmon

2B: DJ LaMehieu

RF: Carlos Gonzalez

2B: Nolan Arenado

LF: Corey Dickerson

1B: Justin Morneau

SS: Cristhian Adames

C: Dustin Garneau

P: Kyle Kendrick