Game Preview: Dodgers Head to Colorado Without Jansen

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies

Time: 5:40 PM PT

Venue: Coors Field

Colorado Record: 77-62

Los Angeles Record: 76-64

How are the Dodgers Doing?

In a series where Los Angeles was a heavy favorite, the Dodgers dropped two games out of three at home to the Mets. Over the last eight games, only once has the Dodger offense scored over three runs. They find themselves trailing Colorado by 1.5 games for the NL West lead.

Why is this Game Important?

The Dodgers are in a similar situation that they were place in earlier this week when they faced the Diamondbacks. Arizona entered Dodger Stadium leading by a game, but the Dodgers wound up in first place by the end of the series after winning three out of four. Now the Dodgers find themselves in Colorado, attempting to reduce their 1.5 game deficit.

To make matters difficult for Los Angeles, they will be without closer Kenley Jansen for precautionary purposes. The three-time all-star dealt with an irregular heartbeat on two separate trips to Colorado, and was advised to sit out this series. The Dodgers will use a closer by committee while they play without Jansen.

Pitching Matchup

Clayton Kershaw (6-5, 2.40 ERA) vs Jon Gray (11-7, 4.70 ERA)

Clayton Kershaw pitches in Colorado for the first time this year. He is 9-4 with a 4.65 ERA in 20 career games at Coors Field. Kershaw has not earned a decision over his last two starts, despite going at least seven innings, allowing two earned runs or fewer.

Jon Gray makes his 27th start of the year, as he faces Los Angeles for the 10th time in his career. He has not lost a game since June 12, despite surrendering a home run in each of his last seven starts. Gray has received at least four runs of support by his offense in all but five games this year.

Matchup of the Day

Justin Turner vs Jon Gray

Justin Turner has reached base safely over each of his last 13 games for Los Angeles, during a span in which he is batting .354 with three home runs. The reigning NL Player of the Month is batting .313 in 19 career plate appearances against Gray. In their last game against each other, Gray hit Turner with the pitch twice.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Predicted Score

Los Angeles: 5.5

Colorado: 3.4

Moneyline Consensus

Los Angeles: -140

Colorado: +130

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 54% chance of winning

Colorado: 46% chance of winning

Fun Fact

Jon Gray was selected third overall in the 2013 MLB Draft, one pick after Cubs third baseman, Kris Bryant.