Dodgers Rockies Game Three Preview

Dodgers picked up the win last night after Kenta Maeda pitched masterfully. This afternoon they look to get a series win, as they send Alex Wood to the mound.

Wood is coming into today’s game with a record of 1-2 and an ERA of 5.06. Wood’s first three starts in 2016 have been pretty shaky. Of all the Dodgers starters he has been the most inconsistent thus far in my opinion, but I am hoping that with time Wood will settle down. Starting pitchers are sort of odd. Sometimes they start off shaky and just need time to get into a rhythm, then mid-season they are pitching to the best of their abilities. I am hoping that is going to be the case for Wood. In his first three starts of the season, Wood has faced the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants. This will be his first time facing the Colorado Rockies this year. After a rough start in Atlanta, Wood has a lot to prove to the club this time.

The Rockies are swinging big bats. There is no doubt about it. Trevor Story and Nolan Arenado cannot see any pitches right over the middle of the plate, if they do, expect them to be sent a couple of feet over the centerfield wall.

The Rockies will be sending Jordan Lyles to the mound. The 25 year old RHP will be facing the Dodgers for the first time this season. He is entering the game with a record of 1-1 and an ERA of 6.00. In his first three starts, most of Lyles outs have come from ground balls. However, when looking at Lyles’ numbers, he tends to give up runs after his pitch count passes 25. In his first 25 pitches in all three starts this season, Lyles has not given up any runs, but after the pitch count exceeds that hitters begin to figure him out. If the Dodgers can carefully watch him, he seems to be the type of pitcher they can attack in their second and third plate appearances. It is Coors Field too, so you really cannot count anyone out until the game is officially over.

Good news is, Yasiel Puig is 4-for-7 with a home run and three RBI’s against Lyles in his career.

The lineup is a little different than it has been the past few days. Justin Turner is sidelined for the second day in order to rest his injury to his big toe. However, Dave Roberts believes Turner will be back in the lineup Monday. Howie Kendrick will be getting the start at third base again. Trayce Thompson is getting the start in left field for the first time this series. Roberts has changed up the left fielder every game. Game one, Kendrick got the start there and last night it was Enrique Hernandez in left.

In some unrelated news, the MLB All Star Ballots are out and you can begin voting for your favorite Dodgers to make the All-Star team this July. Yes, you can start voting three weeks into the season! It might be early, but it is always fun to see what Dodgers make the team so get your votes in!

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM and will be shown on Sports Net LA.