Dodgers Braves Game Three Preview

The Dodgers look to sweep the Braves out of LA and win climb closer in the NL West race.

Yesterday’s game was the weirdest. Clayton Kershaw looked the worst he’s looked all year, only throwing six scoreless innings, striking out four and walking a batter! His six innings and four strikeouts were season-lows, and the Braves are the first team to walk twice against Kershaw this season, which is the baseballest thing ever. At least he’s no longer outperforming his FIP, as it jumped up to 1.59 while his ERA fell to 1.46. He also joined the league leaders by issuing his third balk, which I have to believe is his generosity trying to not completely embarrass teams and letting them get runners in scoring position. What a nice guy.

The rest of the game was weird too. Kershaw scored the first run for the Dodgers, which was one of the more normal things to happen all game. It felt like one of those stupid games where the bullpen would allow one run and catch a ton of blame, but Joe Blanton, Pedro Baez and Kenley Jansen shut the door. The Dodgers added insurance in the weirdest way, with a double, walk, safety squeeze, double steal, sac fly and pinch hit single. Which might be the least Dodger way to score three runs.

Overall, good game, and the Cardinals weren’t useless and beat the Giants, shrinking the gap back to 4.5 games. Today is another good chance to get a game back, as the Cards have the pitching matchup in their favor and the Dodgers are still playing the Braves. Scott Kazmir gets the ball tonight looking for the sweep.

Kazmir’s overall numbers are still inexcusably poor, but he’s been trending upwards. He struck out 12 Reds in six innings two starts ago, and followed that up by one-hitting the Cubs through six and outdueling Jake Arrieta. He should be fresh, as he’s thrown 91 and 90 pitches in those two games and hasn’t really had any high stress pitches since May 20th.

Matt Wisler gets the ball for the Braves. Wisler was the best prospect the Braves got back for Craig Kimbrel, so immediately you know there’s talent there. He’s been solid in 10 starts (11 appearances) this season as he owns a 3.16 ERA/3.74 FIP. He’s improved across the board, which shouldn’t be surprising for a 23-year-old that was the second-best prospect in the Padres organization in 2014. Wisler threw 6.2 innings against the Dodgers in April, allowing one unearned run and four hits.

Trayce Thompson hits third today, the first time he’s hit any higher than fifth this season. This should probably be a regular thing, but I feel like it’s only because Justin Turner is getting a day off.

Yasmani Grandal gets the start after pinch hitting yesterday. There was mumbling about a hand injury with him, but it appears he’s healthy enough to play. He’s been struggling at the plate lately and I feel like he’s dropped more attempted throws than usual lately, but he’s in the lineup. Austin Barnes was recalled today when the Dodgers DFA’d Carl Crawford, so hopefully he gets a good look as well

Next: Dodgers Designate Carl Crawford for Assignment

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PST and will be shown on Sportsnet LA.