Dodgers Probable Pitchers & Starting Lineup vs. Pirates, April 27

Let's be honest: It wasn't very fun being on the other side of someone else's feel-good story on Wednesday night.

The Dodgers were beaten so soundly by the Pirates (8-1) that career minor-leaguer Drew Maggi was allowed to make his first-ever MLB appearance. Previously, he'd been a big-league ghost, promoted to the active roster, but without an AB to show for it, prior to his demotion.

He got into Wednesday's game, though. He certainly did. He received a special moment from the crowd (shoutout to the umpire for allowing him to soak it in without calling a pitch clock violation). He earned that adulation. But ... it can't have been enjoyable for the Dodgers to be beaten so badly they managed to write a Hallmark movie in the process.

Now, they'll have to wake up and recover early for the rubber match, with their current ace taking the mound against Pittsburgh's Opening Day starter.

Dodgers Lineup for Thursday, April 27 vs Pirates

Dodgers Pitching Probables for Thursday, April 27 vs Pirates

For the Dodgers, it'll be Julio Urías in this one, trying to clean up after Tony Gonsolin's 2023 debut and save the bullpen. Urías is 3-2 with a 3.33 ERA on the year, with 30 strikeouts in 27 innings. He's still seeking that elusive first All-Star appearance, as well as a long-term contract.

Who knows? If he'd made the All-Star Game last year, he might be a father by now.

For the Pirates, it'll be Mitch Keller, a perpetual "ace if he could only figure it out" who might've figured it out this season. Keller's electric fastball and effective pitch mix have bred a record of 2-0 with a 3.64 ERA, along with 30 Ks in 29.2 innings. There are probably a few more strikeouts to be had, too, with more territory yet to mine.

Non-mathematical must-win today, huh?