The Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers are set for an electrifying three-game series starting Monday night in Los Angeles. Both teams are leading their respective divisions and aim to strengthen their post-season position with just under two months remaining in the regular season.
Monday Night Duel: Nola vs. Glasnow
The series opener promises a captivating pitching duel between right-handers Aaron Nola of the Phillies and Tyler Glasnow from the Dodgers. Nola, boasting an impressive 11-4 record and a 3.43 ERA, has been a cornerstone for the Phillies' rotation. On the other hand, Glasnow, with an 8-6 record and a 3.50 ERA, has consistently delivered for the Dodgers, making this an intriguing matchup to set the tone for the series.
Tuesday's Southpaw Showdown
The series continues on Tuesday with a clash of left-handers. Philadelphia's Cristopher Sánchez, sporting a 7-7 record and a notable 3.36 ERA, will face off against Dodgers' veteran Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw, who has struggled this season with an 0-1 record and a 5.87 ERA, will be looking to turn his fortunes around and provide stability to the Dodgers’ pitching lineup.
Wednesday's Encore
The series finale on Wednesday features another compelling pitcher’s duel. Tyler Phillips of the Phillies, holding a 3-1 record and a 4.39 ERA, will go head-to-head with Gavin Stone of the Dodgers. Stone's solid 9-5 record and 3.63 ERA make him a formidable opponent as both teams look to close out the series with a crucial win.
Seasonal Context and Team Dynamics
The Phillies enter this series with a modest 13-17 record over their last 30 games, while the Dodgers have fared slightly better with a 13-14 record since the start of July. Despite these records, both teams have maintained leads in their respective divisions, showcasing their overall strong performances this season. The Phillies are six games ahead of the Atlanta Braves, and the Dodgers hold a 4 1/2 game lead over the San Diego Padres.
Previous Encounter Recap
This series marks the second meeting between the Phillies and Dodgers this season. The Phillies hosted the first three-game set in early July and swept the Dodgers with a commanding performance, outscoring them 19-5. This dominant showing sets an interesting backdrop for the upcoming series, with the Dodgers likely eager for redemption.
Trade Deadline Additions
Both teams made strategic acquisitions before the trade deadline to bolster their rosters. Philadelphia added outfielder Austin Hays and relievers Carlos Estévez and Tanner Banks. For the Dodgers, notable additions include starter Jack Flaherty, reliever Michael Kopech, infielders Tommy Edman and Amed Rosario, and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier. Tommy Edman, yet to take the field this season, is nearing activation, which could provide an additional boost for the Dodgers.
An intriguing aspect of this series is the presence of new faces due to these trade deadline moves. Approximately 10 or 11 of the 52 players anticipated for this week's series were not with their respective organizations during their previous encounter, potentially adding an element of unpredictability to the games.
As both teams take to the field, fans can expect a series filled with high stakes, impressive athleticism, and fierce competition. With both the Phillies and Dodgers looking to solidify their standings, every game counts, setting the stage for a memorable showdown in Los Angeles.