The Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for an exciting three-game series set to kick off Monday night in Los Angeles. Both teams sit atop the Senior Circuit's winning percentages, promising a competitive showdown as the regular season heads into its final two months.
Monday's Pitching Showdown
The series opener will feature a highly anticipated pitching duel between two formidable right-handers: Aaron Nola of the Phillies and Tyler Glasnow of the Dodgers. Nola, boasting an impressive 11-4 record and a 3.43 ERA, will be a tough opponent. Glasnow, with an 8-6 record and a closely matched 3.50 ERA, will look to counter Nola’s prowess on the mound.
Upcoming Matchups
On Tuesday, fans will see a battle of left-handers as the Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez squares off against the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw. Sánchez enters the game with a balanced 7-7 record and an admirable 3.36 ERA. In contrast, Kershaw, with an uncharacteristic 0-1 record and a 5.87 ERA, aims to turn his season around.
The series will conclude on Wednesday with Tyler Phillips from the Phillies taking on Gavin Stone of the Dodgers. Phillips has managed a 3-1 record with a 4.39 ERA, whereas Stone's strong 9-5 record and 3.63 ERA make him a significant threat.
Season Performance
Both teams have had their share of ups and downs lately. The Phillies are 13-17 in their last 30 games, a record that suggests recent struggles. The Dodgers haven't fared much better, holding a 13-14 record since the beginning of July.
Standing wise, the Phillies maintain a six-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in their division. Meanwhile, the Dodgers hold a comfortable 4 1/2 game lead over the San Diego Padres.
Previous Encounter
This series marks the second meeting between the Phillies and Dodgers this season. The Phillies hosted the first three-game set in early July, where they swept the Dodgers convincingly, outscoring them 19-5.
Trade Deadline Activity
The Phillies have bolstered their lineup with recent additions, including outfielder Austin Hays and relievers Carlos Estévez and Tanner Banks. The Dodgers were also active, acquiring starter Jack Flaherty, reliever Michael Kopech, infielders Tommy Edman and Amed Rosario, and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier before the trade deadline.
Tommy Edman, yet to take the field this season, is nearing activation and could soon contribute to the Dodgers' efforts. Approximately 10 or 11 of the 52 players anticipated for this week's series were not with their respective teams during their previous encounter, adding a fresh dynamic to this matchup.
With both teams bringing in new talent and skyrocketing performances, this three-game series in Los Angeles promises to be a compelling chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the Phillies and the Dodgers.