Phillies at Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers could use a lengthy outing Wednesday from starter Ross Stripling when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. The team’s injury-plagued rotation took another hit Tuesday when Kenta Maeda exited in the second inning with a strained right hip.
Maeda is expected to land on the disabled list, joining fellow starters Clayton Kershaw (biceps tendinitis), Rich Hill (blister) and Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin injury). The Dodgers were forced to use six relievers in Tuesday’s 6-1 loss, while Philadelphia starter Jake Arrieta cruised through seven scoreless innings to help the Phillies even the series. Philadelphia left fielder Nick Williams belted his fifth home run while right fielder Rhys Hoskins delivered a pinch-hit double in the ninth inning, one day after being hit in the face with his own foul ball and passing the required concussion tests. The Phillies collected seven extra-base hits in Tuesday’s victory but will need to add an infielder to the roster after Pedro Florimon suffered a broken right foot in the first inning.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Zach Eflin (1-1, 3.27 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (2-1, 1.74)
Eflin is looking to bounce back from a rough outing against the Toronto Blue Jays last Friday, when he allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits over 4 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old native of Florida has given up a total of 10 runs (seven earned) over his last two outings after giving up only one run in 12 1/3 innings during his first two starts. Eflin has struggled in two previous starts against the Dodgers, going 0-1 with an 8.10 ERA across 10 innings.
Stripling recorded his second straight victory last Friday, allowing one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts in a 4-1 win over San Diego. The 28-year-old has bounced between the bullpen and rotation this season but has settled in as a starter, going 2-1 with a 2.42 ERA in five outings. Stripling has posted a 6.14 ERA in three career games (one start) covering 7 1/3 innings against Philadelphia.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal has a .314 average with eight homers and 17 RBIs in 26 career games against Philadelphia.
2. The Phillies starting rotation has posted a combined 1.98 ERA in 21 games since May 5.
3. Dodgers optioned RHP Brock Stewart to Triple-A Oklahoma City and recalled INF/OF Breyvic Valera.