Dodgers Orioles Game Three Preview

The Dodgers look for a series win in the finale against the Baltimore Orioles.

Last night’s game was less than ideal, as the Dodger bats went quiet and Manny Machado‘s bat got really loud. The Dodgers could have gained a game on the Giants, as they gave up seven runs in the seventh and eighth inning to lose to the Rockies, but the Orioles, like the Dodgers, are a good team and no one should have been expecting a sweep.

The Dodgers can still win the series, but first some very good news came in this morning.

There’s still no timetable for Clayton Kershaw‘s return, but unsurprisingly he seems to be ahead of schedule. Hopefully, the Dodgers are in a position where they won’t be forced to rush him back, but the sooner he can come back, the better. Brett Anderson and Andre Ethier are also reportedly on track to return in August, so if the Dodgers can just stay in distance of the Giants (who have the third-highest winning percentage in baseball), they’re in a good position.

Today’s matinee game will pit Bud Norris against his former team. Norris pitched for the Orioles from 2013 until August 2015, when they released him and he was picked up by San Diego. Norris went 21-20 as an Oriole and posted a 4.65 ERA/4.48 FIP in 282.1 innings (48 starts, 57 appearances total).

Norris was surprisingly excellent in his first Dodger start last Friday against the Rockies. He went six innings and allowed two hits and one walk while striking out eight. Many disagree with Dave Roberts taking Norris out after six innings and only 88 pitches, but I completely agree with pulling a pitcher too early rather than too late, especially when it’s not an ace-type pitcher. Get him out feeling good about himself, the Dodgers have three relievers capable of holding a lead (which they did, and the offense scored four more runs after Norris was pulled).

Kevin Gausman gets the ball for the Orioles, and after a great start to the season he’s really slowed down of late. Gausman had a 2.70 ERA after six starts, but he’s up to 3.97 after a few rough starts recently. Gausman has been great at home (2.79 ERA in six games), but on the road he’s allowed 24 runs in 43 innings (5.02 ERA).

A strangely normal lineup considering it’s a day game after a night game and a game against a lefty. Yasiel Puig is a notable omission, but getting him days off is important to keep him healthy. Scott Van Slyke takes his spot in right and Howie Kendrick starts in left after struggling out there last night.

Corey Seager takes his 18-game hitting streak into this game. He is p good.

Next: Three Dodgers Named to All-Star Team

First pitch is scheduled for 12:10 PM and will be shown on Sportsnet LA.