Dodgers Rockies Game One Preview

Fresh off a huge homestand, the Dodgers travel to Coors Field for a three game road trip.

How nice is it that the Dodgers aren’t looking up at the Giants right now? The Dodgers had a one game lead in the West. They played three against the Giants and three against the Cubs (while the Giants played Atlanta), and now they have a two game lead.

The Dodgers more than did their job at Dodger Stadium. Now, they go to hell reincarnate for a short little road series against the Rockies.

Dodgers Starter

Kenta Maeda makes his glorious return to the show from Rookie Ball. The Dodgers performed some A+ manipulation on Saturday, as they optioned Maeda for Sunday starter Brock Stewart. Maeda was sent to AZL, whose season ended yesterday. This allows the Dodgers to work around the usual rule, which states a player must be down for 10 days unless replacing a DL’d player.

Maeda’s rookie year hasn’t been flawless, but he’s been the most consistent and healthy piece of the Dodger rotation. In 25 starts, Maeda has a 13-7 record and a 3.37 ERA/3.68 FIP. He’s gone at least five innings in 22/25 starts .

Maeda doesn’t have great velocity and often relies on offspeed pitches. Usually, that’s not a good combination at Coors. However, Maeda has been excellent in his two starts in Colorado. In 12 innings, he’s allowed two runs, seven hits and one walk (and two HBPs).

Rockies Starter

Jon Gray gets the start for the Rockies. He dominated the Dodgers on August 2nd, tossing five innings of two-hit ball. Gray hasn’t won a game since then, as he allowed 18 runs in his next three outings (12 innings). He bounced back in his last outing, as he struck out 10 Brewers in six innings and only allowed two runs.

Gray had two previous starts against the Dodgers this season. He allowed eight runs in those 11 innings.

Dodgers Lineup

Justin Turner is notably absent from the lineup. He had an off day on their getaway game before their homestand, but started every game during the home stand. He reached base once in the final four games, so an off day could probably do him some good. Rob Segedin gets the start at third.

Josh Reddick‘s notable struggles are in the lineup. Here’s hoping three (probably two, with a lefty on the hill tomorrow) games in Coors can help him see some base knocks.

To make room for Maeda, Stewart was optioned to AA Tulsa. This is more roster manipulation by the front office. AAA OKC clinched a division title last night, so sending Stewart there would have meant he couldn’t return for 10 days. By sending him to Tulsa, whose season could end next Monday if they miss the playoffs, he’ll be eligible to return in a week.

First pitch is scheduled for 5:40 PST and will be shown on Sportsnet LA.