The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Pittsburgh Pirates at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Friday, August 21, with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 PM ET. Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets the ball for Los Angeles against Pittsburgh's Bubba Chandler in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup between two arms at very different points in their careers. With the regular season deep into August, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Dodgers will look to flex their lineup depth against a Pirates club making the trip west.

Probable Pitchers: Yamamoto vs. Chandler

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the story on the mound tonight. The right-hander has been one of the most watched starters in baseball since arriving in Los Angeles, and he gets the nod in what should be a favorable matchup at home. Yamamoto's combination of premium stuff and advanced command gives the Dodgers a legitimate ace-caliber presence every time he takes the hill.

Opposing him is Bubba Chandler, Pittsburgh's young right-hander who represents one of the more intriguing developmental pitchers in the National League. Chandler is still working to establish himself at the big-league level, and a road start against this Dodgers lineup is about as stern a test as it gets. How he manages the top of Los Angeles's order will go a long way toward determining Pittsburgh's chances tonight.

Dodgers Lineup to Watch

Manager Dave Roberts is rolling out a loaded lineup that puts pressure on opposing pitchers from the first pitch to the last. Here is how Los Angeles lines up tonight:

• Shohei Ohtani — DH
• Freddie Freeman — 1B
• Andy Pages — CF
• Max Muncy — 3B
• Mookie Betts — SS
• Kyle Tucker — RF
• Tommy Edman — 2B
• Teoscar Hernández — LF
• Hunter Feduccia — C

Shohei Ohtani leading off is the obvious headliner, but this order has threats throughout. Freddie Freeman at second provides protection immediately, and the combination of Mookie Betts, Kyle Tucker, and Teoscar Hernández in the middle and lower third gives Chandler no opportunity to breathe. Andy Pages hitting third in center field is a statement of confidence in the young outfielder's continued development.

Keys to the Game

• Yamamoto's command: If Yamamoto is locating his breaking ball and keeping Pittsburgh's hitters off-balance, this could be a long night for the Pirates offense. His ability to generate weak contact early in counts is what separates him.
• Chandler's composure: Facing Ohtani, Freeman, and this lineup in a road environment is a genuine trial. How Chandler handles traffic on the bases in the early innings will define Pittsburgh's night.
• Dodgers' plate discipline: Los Angeles has the lineup to run up a pitch count quickly and get into Pittsburgh's bullpen. Chandler's workload is something to monitor from the first inning.
• Crowd energy at Dodger Stadium: A Friday night home game in August draws a full house in Chavez Ravine. The atmosphere tends to elevate this team's play.

Prediction

Yamamoto at home against a Pittsburgh lineup that will need to earn every run is a recipe for a strong Dodgers performance on the mound. The Los Angeles offense has the firepower to put crooked numbers on the board against a developing pitcher in Chandler. Expect the Dodgers to control this game from the early innings. Dodgers 6, Pirates 2.