Dodgers Pirates Game Three Preview

The Dodgers look for a series win before heading on a six game roadtrip.

The Dodgers won yesterday and their offense looked very potent once again. Normally, that would make me very happy, but the doubt surrounding Brandon McCarthy puts a damper on it. After the game, reports indicated that McCarthy suffered a hip injury in Colorado and is likely headed for the DL.

The timing of McCarthy’s injury isn’t the worst, as the Dodgers rotation is slowly coming back to health. Clayton Kershaw has been playing catch on flat ground and Bud Norris made a rehab start yesterday for Rancho. Rich Hill is set to make a rehab start Monday and start next Saturday in Cincinnati. Norris will start Thursday in Philly.

The Dodgers get another piece of the rotation back today, as Brett Anderson will make his first start of 2016. Anderson surprised many when he agreed to the Dodgers’ qualifying offer, hoping to get through another injury-free season and earn a contract more typical of a quality 28-year-old left-handed pitcher. His gamble didn’t pay off, as he had surgery to repair a disc in his back in March.

Anderson made three rehab starts and allowed three earned runs in his 12 innings. He slowly ramped up and tossed five innings in his last outing and used 71 pitches. With McCarthy not getting out of the second inning yesterday, the Dodgers’ bullpen was used heavily yesterday, but they had a day off on Thursday and they have an off day tomorrow. I’d guess Julio Urias will be unavailable, but the rest of the pen should be fresh enough to get through today.

Chad Kuhl gets the ball for the Pirates and will make the sixth start of his career. His major league debut came against the Dodgers, as he got the win against Kershaw. Kuhl went five innings and allowed three runs, but the Pirates scored four off Kershaw in his last start before hitting the DL. Kuhl made four starts before being sent back down, but was recalled on August 9th and allowed two runs in six innings against the Padres.

Justin Turner was a late scratch from the lineup yesterday with a hand contusion, and he remains out of the lineup today. Rob Segedin hit the ball well and played solid defense at third yesterday, and seems to be fine after fouling a ball off his foot.

Of course, there are some roster moves to talk about for the game. Brock Stewart is back, likely as a long reliever as insurance for Anderson. Josh Ravin was placed on the DL with a tricep issue, and McCarthy was placed on the DL for his hip. These moves make room for Anderson and Stewart.

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