Reds at Dodgers
Third baseman Justin Turner has picked up where he left off for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who welcomed their productive third baseman back from the disabled list on Friday. Turner figures to be in the lineup again Saturday as Los Angeles continues its three-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds, who have lost their last seven contests at Dodger Stadium.
After missing 19 games with a strained right hamstring, Turner returned Friday and belted a two-run home in the Dodgers’ 7-2 victory. Turner started at third base and hit in the No. 3 spot while Logan Forsythe moved back to second base and Chris Taylor started in center field and went 2-for-4 from the leadoff spot. The Reds’ leadoff hitter, speedster Billy Hamilton, leads the majors with 28 stolen bases but is hitless in his last 14 at-bats after going 0-for-4 on Friday. Shortstop Zack Cozart is batting .342 and has reached base safely in 31 straight games, the longest by a Red since Barry Larkin’s 31-game streak in 1991.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Asher Wojciechowski (1-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (6-0, 1.69)
Wojciechowski made his second start for the Reds last Monday against St. Louis and received a no-decision after allowing two runs over a career-high six innings. The 28-year-old faced the minimum nine batters through three innings and didn’t allow a hit until Matt Carpenter’s one-out single in the fourth. Wojciechowski was signed to a minor-league contract on April 21 and posted a 1.40 ERA in five starts covering 25 2/3 innings for Triple-A Louisville.
Wood is pitching for the first time since landing on the disabled list with inflammation in his sternum on May 26. The National League Pitcher of the Month for May, Wood has not allowed a run in his last four starts covering 25 1/3 innings with a 33-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio over that stretch. Kenta Maeda has been moved to the bullpen to make room for the North Carolina native, who is 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA in three career games (two starts) against Cincinnati.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds LF Adam Duvall missed Friday’s game due to illness but hopes to return Saturday.
2. The Dodgers placed RHP Sergio Romo (sprained left ankle) on the 10-day disabled list and activated LHP Luis Avilan.
3. Cincinnati LHP Amir Garrett exited Friday’s game with a left hand contusion but is expected to make his next start.