Bewildered Dodgers Turn to Ace Clayton Kershaw Versus Nationals

Clayton Kershaw (3-2, 1.62) vs. Dan Haren (4-3, 5.17)

Lineup:

Crawford LF

Kemp CF

Gonzalez 1B

Ethier RF

Ellis C

Schumaker 2B

Punto 3B

Gordon SS

Kershaw P

Another day, another injury. After last night’s roughing up by Washington, the Dodgers admitted that Josh Beckett has been pitching through some minor injuries. He also tweaked his groin last night while making a play at first base. Whether it be injuries or just the hands of time, Josh Beckett has been completely ineffective this season so far with the Dodgers. His fastball looks dead in the water, and opposing hitters are taking advantage. Yet with the plethora of injuries to Dodger starters, I highly doubt the Dodgers will take him out of the rotation anytime soon. At this point I’d much rather see Matt Magill transition into the Dodgers starting rotation while removing Beckett from said spot.

Are Don Mattingly’s days numbered as Dodger skipper? Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Regardless, the Dodgers are coming up short time and time again. Their starting lineup looks well enough with quite a few guys hitting around .300, but they have been awful with runners in scoring position, on the base paths, and with the glove. The defensive shortcomings are certainly due to the fact that we’ve had to field names like Skip Schumaker, Nick Punto, and other second string infielders while Hanley is tending to his hamstring and Mark Ellis seems like he has been gone for an eon.

The Dodgers will turn to their resident ace Clayton Kershaw in hopes of squeaking out a win against a tough Washington team. Clayton has been dominant at home this year, and he is 3-1 with a miniscule 0.99 ERA at Dodger Stadium in 2013. Last time out against Arizona, the lefty allowed 1 run on 5 hits with 4 strikeouts and a walk in seven innings. Kersh has pitched seven innings or more in each of his last three starts. He’s had mixed results against the Nats in his career, and he is 3-2 with a 4.08 ERA against Washington.

The Nationals will send right-hander Dan Haren to the bump on Tuesday evening. Last Thursday, Haren picked up a victory against

Dan Haren goes for his fourth win in a row. Photo: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

the Tigers after allowing 4 runs on 9 hits in 6 innings of work. In his career against the Dodgers, Haren is 6-5 with a 3.55 ERA. Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, and Adrian Gonzalez have all hit Haren well. They each have at least 2 homeruns against the righty.

The Dodgers will need to find a way to win, and they right now they are 2-5 on this current homestand.

Don Mattingly admitted that the Dodgers are falling flat in every aspect of the game:

“Just our team in general — offensively, our defense at times has let us down, at times our starting pitching hasn’t gotten us very far down the road, at times our bullpen has let us down. We’re trying to work out all facets of what we’re doing.”

Bryce Harper suffered a scary crash last night when he slammed into the chain link fence attached to the outfield scoreboard. He had to have 11 stitches to close up a deep gash along his neck, and he suffered a jammed shoulder.

First pitch will be at 7:10 p.m. on KCAL. We’re always here whether the Dodgers win or lose. It’s been frustrating, but our love for the Dodgers never dwindles.