The Los Angeles Dodgers head to Chase Field to face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, August 7, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET. Roki Sasaki gets the ball for Los Angeles against Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup between two teams that know each other well inside the NL West. With the dog days of summer in full effect and every game carrying playoff-race weight, this is exactly the kind of divisional road test that defines October résumés.
Dodgers at Diamondbacks Pitching Matchup: Sasaki vs. Kelly
Roki Sasaki draws the start for the Dodgers, and the assignment carries real significance. The young Japanese right-hander came to Los Angeles with enormous expectations, and every outing is a data point in understanding what he can deliver across a full major league season. Sasaki's arsenal — a high-velocity fastball paired with a devastating split-finger — gives him the ceiling to dominate any lineup on any given night. The question, as it has been throughout his time in the big leagues, is sequencing, command, and how deep he can pitch into games against a disciplined opponent.
Kelly is a known commodity in this division. The Arizona veteran has made a career out of competitiveness and pitch mix versatility. He doesn't overpower hitters, but he works both sides of the plate and changes speeds with purpose. Dodger hitters will need to be patient and work counts rather than chasing early-count offerings that set up his secondary pitches.
Keys to Watch for the Dodgers at Chase Field
- Sasaki's command early: Chase Field can get loud when the Diamondbacks get rolling. If Sasaki can establish his fastball and keep the Arizona lineup off-balance through the first three innings, the Dodgers' bullpen depth becomes an asset rather than a necessity.
- Dodgers offense against Kelly's changeup: Kelly's ability to neutralize right-handed bats with his changeup is well-documented. Los Angeles will need left-handed presence in the lineup to keep him honest and force him to work into hitter-friendly counts.
- Bullpen management: Arizona's Chase Field plays differently than Dodger Stadium — the ball can carry, and late-inning matchups matter. Manager Dave Roberts will need to be sharp about when to lift Sasaki and who follows him.
- First-inning focus: The Diamondbacks are an aggressive offensive club at home. Sasaki cannot afford a slow start. Getting through the first inning cleanly sets the tone for everything that follows.
Divisional Stakes in August
NL West games in August are not background noise. Every half-game matters when division standings are tight and the wild card picture shifts nightly. A Dodgers win Friday would be a direct strike against a divisional rival, the most valuable kind of victory on the schedule. Los Angeles has the roster to compete deep into October, but building that confidence on the road, against familiar opponents, is how you actually get there.
Prediction
This one comes down to which starter controls the strike zone longer. If Sasaki is on — sharp split, located fastball, minimal walks — the Dodgers have enough offense to support him and enough bullpen arms to close it out. Kelly will make Los Angeles earn every base, but a disciplined Dodger lineup should find a way through. Look for a tightly contested game that the Dodgers pull out in the later innings. Dodgers 4, Diamondbacks 2.
Catch the game on SportsNet LA or Dodgers Radio AM570. Spanish-language coverage available on KTNQ 1020 and La Campesina 101.9 FM and 860 AM.
