Phillies and Dodgers Clash for Playoff Positioning: High Stakes in LA
The Philadelphia Phillies, fresh off securing their spot in the NL East playoffs, face the Los Angeles Dodgers in a crucial three-game series at Dodger Stadium. This series is not just about bragging rights; it's about playoff positioning, with the No. 2 seed and a bye in the wild-card round up for grabs. The Phillies arrive with a 4½-game lead over the Dodgers in that race.
Rematch Five Months in the Making
It's been 162 days since these two teams last met, a rainy series in Philadelphia on April 6th which the Phillies won. Much has changed since then. Zack Wheeler is sidelined, Shohei Ohtani will make his first career start against the Phillies, and both teams are dealing with key injuries. However, one thing remains constant: both the Phillies and Dodgers boast star-studded rosters ready to shine as October approaches.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Phillies’ Lefties vs. Ohtani and Freeman: How will Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, and Jesús Luzardo fare against the Dodgers' powerful left-handed hitters, particularly Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman?
- The Bullpens: Can the Phillies' improved bullpen, bolstered by the addition of Jhoan Duran, continue its success against a struggling Dodgers bullpen hampered by injuries?
- Can the Dodgers be Super?: After early-season comparisons to baseball's greatest teams, are the Dodgers poised to replicate the 2000 Yankees' championship run, or will injuries and inconsistencies hold them back?
Phillies' Left-Handed Pitching Strategy
The Phillies' decision to start three left-handed pitchers in this series against the Dodgers could be a preview of their division series rotation. The Dodgers, while generally effective against both lefties and righties, have shown some vulnerabilities against left-handed pitching, particularly Ohtani. The performance of Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, and Jesús Luzardo will be crucial.
The Duran Effect on the Phillies' Bullpen
The Phillies' bullpen has undergone a significant transformation since the trade deadline, largely due to the acquisition of closer Jhoan Duran. His presence has brought stability and order to the bullpen, allowing other relievers to settle into their roles. The Dodgers, on the other hand, have struggled with their bullpen due to injuries and underperformance from key offseason additions.
Dodgers' Anthony Banda to Open Monday's Game
Anthony Banda will serve as the Dodgers' opening pitcher in Monday's game against the Phillies, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. This decision is likely based on Banda's success against left-handed hitters, as he will be tasked with facing Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper in the first inning. Banda is expected to pitch only one inning before handing the ball off to Emmet Sheehan for bulk relief.