Preview: Brett Anderson Looks To Rebound From Recent Struggles

After clinching the National League West division Tuesday night, the Dodgers struggled to generate any offense on Wednesday. The team now looks to rebound from the loss and earn a series split in Thursday’s matinee against the San Francisco Giants.

Brett Anderson will get the start for the Dodgers. The left-hander has really struggled as of late, allowing 11 earned runs in his last 8.2 innings pitched. In his last start, Anderson gave up four runs in the first inning while allowing six straight hits to start off the game. Overall on the year, Anderson is 9-9 with a 3.75 ERA, 4.02 FIP, and 1.36 WHIP.

This start is particularly important because it might be Anderson’s audition for the National League Divisional Series. Should he continue to pitch poorly, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly may elect to not start Anderson in the first round of the playoffs or bump him to fourth starter, which wouldn’t be guaranteed to start.

The Giants will counter with veteran Tim Hudson. The right-hander has a record of 8-8 this year with a 4.30 ERA, 4.53 FIP, and 1.36 WHIP. The 40-year-old had his shorting outing of the season in his last start. Hudson lasted just 1.1 inning giving up one hit while walking three.
Hudson has pitched well against the Dodgers this year. He’s appeared in three games while starting two of those. He’s 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA while throwing 13 innings.

The Dodgers lineup features Chase Utley at third base while Corey Seager, who started at third Wednesday night, slides back to shortstop. After going 0-for-4 in last night’s game, Seager snapped his streak of 21 consecutive starts where he reached base safely.

Kiké Hernandez gets the start in center field. Since returning from the disabled list, the Dodgers rookie is 4-for-7 with two runs scored and a home run.

The Dodgers were unable to gain a game on the New York Mets last night. They will have another chance today as the Mets have already lost. The Dodgers are one game back in the standings for home-field advantage.

Dodgers Lineup:

LF: Carl Crawford

2B: Howie Kendrick

1B: Adrian Gonzalez

RF: Andre Ethier

SS: Corey Seager

3B: Chase Utley

C: Yasmani Grandal

CF: Kiké Hernandez

P: Brett Anderson

Giants Lineup:

2B: Kelby Tomlinson

3B: Matt Duffy

1B: Buster Posey

RF: Marlon Byrd

LF: Mac Williamson

CF: Jarrett Parker

C: Trevor Brown

SS: Nick Noonan

P: Tim Hudson