Dodgers Reds Game Two Preview

The Dodgers look to get back over .500 with Mike Bolsinger on the hill.

Following a 17-inning marathon of a game on Sunday, the Dodgers needed a deep start by the starter in the worst way possible yesterday. Luckily, Clayton Kershaw gave them nine innings of shutout ball. The Dodgers’ offense was predictably dormant, but I’m willing to give them a break since they were coming off 17 innings of work. Kershaw kept the Reds off the board, and perhaps more importantly he kept the bullpen rested.

The Dodgers squeaked by with a win yesterday, but today’s game should be a lot less predictable. Ross Stripling was lined up to start this game, but the Dodgers needed him in Sunday’s game. He was optioned to the minors on Monday, which was reportedly part of the plan the whole time to keep his arm safe. Bolsinger should be able to give the Dodgers the same types of outings, and with Hyun-jin Ryu potentially three rehab starts away from rejoining the team, the Dodgers’ rotation might continue to look different.

Bolsinger could be an option out of the bullpen in the future, as he provides a completely different look in there. Most of the Dodger relievers throw high velocity fastballs, which major league hitters tend to catch up to. Bolsinger’s curveball and lower-velo fastball could play up out of the bullpen, and keep him from having to face hitters multiple times in a game.

He’ll probably have to face hitters multiple times tonight, as he makes his second start of the season. His first start started off well enough, but he got in trouble in the fifth against the Angels and the bullpen allowed three of his baserunners to score. Bolsinger’s upside isn’t as high as Stripling’s, who was a well-regarded prospect before his arm injuries, but Bolsinger proved last year that he’ll keep the Dodgers in the game more often than not, and you can’t ask for much more out of a fifth starter.

Daniel Wright will make his major league debut tonight after only two career starts at AAA. He was drafted by the Reds in the 10th round of the 2013 draft, but wasn’t listed on the Reds’ top-30 prospects on MLB.com. He’s had success in the minors this year, as he owns a .79 ERA in 34 innings split between AA and AAA. He’s only walked five batters this year and in over 300 innings in 2014 and 2015, he only walked a combined 69 batters.

Brandon Finnegan threw a complete game last night, despite the loss. I’d expect to see the Reds’ bullpen tonight, which should be a good thing for the Dodgers. You all think the Dodgers’ bullpen is bad, but the Reds’ is the worst in baseball and it’s really not close. According to Hardball Talk, entering yesterday’s games, the Cubs had allowed 122 runs. The Reds’ rotation had allowed 137, and the Reds’ bullpen 126. They rank near the bottom in almost every stat in terms of pitching, and overall it’s just a mess. They’ve made some moves in the pen, but it should still be a good opportunity for the Dodgers’ offense.

So we can all stop getting mad about Carl Crawford being a starter right? Trayce Thompson has started in nine consecutive days, most of which were in left field.

Howie Kendrick, who’s been hot in May, gets a night off with both Chase Utley and Justin Turner in the lineup.

Next: Dodgers First Quarter Grades

Most notably, Yasmani Grandal returns to the lineup, which is much needed. A.J. Ellis caught 25 innings on Sunday and Monday, so I’m sure he could use a night off. His framing probably cost Kershaw a walk yesterday, causing his K/BB rate to plummet to only 19.0. I expect the Dodgers are shopping Kershaw now.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PST and will be shown on Sportsnet LA.