The Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers are prepared to face off in a highly anticipated three-game series starting Monday night in Los Angeles. Both teams currently sit atop the Senior Circuit's winning percentages, setting the stage for an exciting matchup as the regular season edges closer to its conclusion, with just under two months remaining.
Monday Night Showdown
The series kicks off with a compelling pitching duel between two right-handers. The Phillies will send Aaron Nola to the mound, who boasts an impressive 11-4 record and a 3.43 ERA. Nola has been a critical part of the Phillies' rotation, and his performance in the opener could set the tone for the series. Opposing him will be Tyler Glasnow of the Dodgers, who holds an 8-6 record and a 3.50 ERA. Glasnow has been solid this season, making this an exciting matchup for fans who appreciate high-caliber pitching.
Left-Handed Stars on Tuesday
The excitement continues on Tuesday with a duel of left-handers. Cristopher Sánchez will take the mound for the Phillies, carrying a 7-7 record and a 3.36 ERA. Sánchez has shown flashes of brilliance this season and will be looking to build on his recent performances. On the other side, Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw will pitch despite an uncharacteristic 0-1 record and a 5.87 ERA. Kershaw's experience and talent are undisputed, and he will be eager to turn his season around.
Wednesday's Series Finale
The series finale on Wednesday will feature Tyler Phillips of the Phillies against Gavin Stone of the Dodgers. Phillips comes in with a 3-1 record and a 4.39 ERA, aiming to solidify his spot in the Phillies' rotation. Stone, meanwhile, has been a significant contributor for the Dodgers with a 9-5 record and a 3.63 ERA, making him a formidable opponent.
Team Form and Recent Performance
Both teams have had their ups and downs recently, with the Phillies posting a 13-17 record over their last 30 games and the Dodgers going 13-14 since the start of July. Despite these fluctuations, both teams remain at the top of their divisions. The Phillies lead the Atlanta Braves by six games, while the Dodgers hold a 4 1/2 game lead over the San Diego Padres.
Previous Meetings and Roster Changes
This series marks the second meeting between the Phillies and Dodgers this season. The first encounter took place in early July when the Phillies swept the Dodgers, outscoring them 19-5. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming games, as the Dodgers will undoubtedly be looking for redemption.
Both teams have made significant roster changes since their last meeting, with new faces adding fresh dynamics to each lineup. The Phillies welcomed outfielder Austin Hays and relievers Carlos Estévez and Tanner Banks before the trade deadline. Meanwhile, the Dodgers bolstered their team with the acquisitions of starter Jack Flaherty, reliever Michael Kopech, infielders Tommy Edman and Amed Rosario, and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier. Notably, Tommy Edman has yet to take the field this season but is nearing activation, potentially adding another dimension to the Dodgers' offense.
Approximately 10 or 11 of the 52 players anticipated for this week's series were not with their respective organizations during their previous encounter, highlighting the significant changes each team has undergone in recent weeks.
The Phillies and Dodgers series promises to deliver thrilling baseball with strategic battles, standout performances, and the potential for dramatic shifts in the standings. Both teams have shown resilience and determination throughout the season, and this three-game set is poised to be a critical chapter in their 2023 campaigns.