Dodgers Padres Game Four Preview

The Dodgers are looking for a win against the Padres this afternoon to end the first half of the season on a high note.

I am not sure about you, but this first half of the 2016 season flew by in my opinion. The Dodgers have had their fair share of ups and downs in the first half. Injuries, silent offense and pitching struggles plagued them. The past few seasons, it seems like the Dodgers have not had a solid time where all of their regulars were healthy and this first half proved to be the same. As they are heading into the All-Star break, things are looking up for the boys in blue. Clayton Kershaw seems to be ahead of schedule and returning from the DL soon. The bullpen has shined and will be getting some much needed rest during the break. The only thing that would make this break even sweeter for the Dodgers would be getting a win over the Padres this afternoon.

They are sending Kenta Maeda to the mound today. Maeda is entering today’s game with a record of 7-6 and an ERA of 3.07. So far Maeda has logged 96.2 innings of work with the Dodgers in 2016 and in those 17 starts or 96.2 innings, he has allowed 80 hits, struck out 94 batters and walked 31. Overall, Maeda has done everything the Dodgers asked of him. One of my favorite games this first half, was his debut night. Maeda not only pitches a gem, but he sent a ball yard. He collected a hit, RBI, gave the Dodgers a lead and was lights out on the mound. Maeda since his first start had some trouble, which you had to figure. He set the bar so high in his first outing, you had to have known that he would fall a little after that. Even though he has had some rough outings, Maeda still has been pretty consistent. Heading into the All-Star break as an MLB rookie, in a foreign country, learning new baseball rules, with an ERA just a little over three is impressive.

The Padres will be sending their 29 year-old left hander, Christian Friedrich to the mound. Friedrich is in his first season with the Padres. So far in 2016, he has started 10 games and pitched 55 innings. In those innings, he has allowed 56 hits, struck out 48 batters and walked 27. According to Brooks Baseball, Friedrich’s fourseam fastball generates a lot of groundballs even though it has average velocity. He throws a sinker with little “sinking” action. His change and cutter are almost never swung at and missed, also according to Brooks Baseball. If this is true for the Dodgers, their best chances at making contact would be on the change and cutter. If Friedrich’s fastball is hitting its spots, you can best believe the infielder’s behind him will be plenty busy.

Next: Dodgers Featured On BA Midseason Prospect List

Dave Roberts and the Dodgers lineup are now official for today’s game. Howie Kendrick is leading off and getting a start playing second. Kendrick has spent most of the first half playing left field and doing a great job adjusting to being an outfielder. Today he is back in his natural position as Chase Utley gets the day off. Yasmani Grandal, who seems to be swinging the hottest Dodger bat currently, is catching behind the plate today. Scott Van Slyke got the start in left in place of Kendrick today and Maeda is on the mound.

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