Where to Watch
Probable Pitchers
Lineups
Los Angeles Dodgers
| # | Player | Pos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shohei Ohtani | DH |
| 2 | Andy Pages | CF |
| 3 | Freddie Freeman | 1B |
| 4 | Tommy Edman | 2B |
| 5 | Mookie Betts | SS |
| 6 | Kyle Tucker | RF |
| 7 | Teoscar Hernández | LF |
| 8 | Enrique Hernández | 3B |
| 9 | Ben Rortvedt | C |
Arizona Diamondbacks
| # | Player | Pos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geraldo Perdomo | SS |
| 2 | Corbin Carroll | RF |
| 3 | Gabriel Moreno | C |
| 4 | Ketel Marte | DH |
| 5 | Nolan Arenado | 3B |
| 6 | Ildemaro Vargas | 2B |
| 7 | Tim Tawa | CF |
| 8 | Tyler Locklear | 1B |
| 9 | Ryan Waldschmidt | LF |
Preview
The Los Angeles Dodgers travel to Chase Field to face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, August 9, with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 PM ET. Justin Wrobleski gets the ball for Los Angeles against Arizona's Eduardo Rodriguez in a divisional matchup that carries real NL West weight. The Dodgers roll out a loaded lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts, making this one of the more compelling road tests of the second half. Catch the game on SportsNet LA or Dodgers Radio AM570.
Pitching Matchup: Wrobleski vs. Rodriguez
Justin Wrobleski draws the start for the Dodgers in what is a significant opportunity for the left-handed arm. Wrobleski has been working to carve out a reliable role in this rotation, and facing a divisional opponent on the road is exactly the kind of assignment that defines a pitcher's season. Executing his stuff against a lineup that knows him from prior meetings will be the central challenge.
Eduardo Rodriguez takes the mound for Arizona. The veteran lefty brings experience and a track record of durability. Rodriguez has the ability to pitch deep into games, which could limit the Dodgers' opportunities to work the bullpen and manufacture late-inning opportunities. Getting to him early would be the ideal script for Los Angeles.
Dodgers Lineup to Watch
Manager Dave Roberts sends out one of the deepest batting orders in baseball. Ohtani leads off at DH, a configuration that maximizes his plate appearances. Andy Pages follows at second, with Freeman slotted in the three-hole. Tommy Edman bats cleanup, and Mookie Betts — listed at shortstop — hits fifth. Kyle Tucker provides power from the six spot, with Teoscar Hernández, Enrique Hernández, and Ben Rortvedt rounding out the order.
Keys to the Game for Los Angeles
- Wrobleski's command: Rodriguez is a quality opponent, but the Dodgers win this game if Wrobleski can keep the Arizona lineup off-balance through five or six innings and give the bullpen a manageable situation.
- Early pressure on Rodriguez: Ohtani and Pages at the top of the order are capable of generating traffic immediately. Getting runners on base in the first two innings forces Rodriguez to work from the stretch and opens the game up for Freeman and the middle of the order.
- Containing Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll: Arizona's lineup has dangerous pieces. Marte in the cleanup spot and Carroll hitting second represent the core of the Diamondbacks' offensive threat. Wrobleski must neutralize them to keep this game manageable.
- Nolan Arenado factor: The addition of Arenado gives Arizona's lineup a legitimate middle-of-the-order presence at third base. The Dodgers' pitching staff cannot afford to let him beat them with runners on base.
Prediction
This is a winnable road game for Los Angeles. The Dodgers' lineup depth gives them an advantage against virtually any opponent on any given day, and Rodriguez — while capable — is not an automatic shutdown arm. The key variable is Wrobleski. If he can deliver five-plus solid innings and the bullpen holds, the Dodgers' offense should produce enough to take this one. Expect a competitive divisional game that comes down to the late innings, with Los Angeles pulling it out, 5–3.