Editorials

Preview: Dodgers Get First Taste Of DH In Interleague Matchup

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

After an extra-innings victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday, the Los Angeles Dodgers went to Texas (although with some issues) to begin a four-game, home-and-home series with the Rangers.

It will be the first time the Dodgers are able to use the designated hitter this season and Carlos Frias will be on the mound looking to silence the second-place Rangers. It will be his first career start against them. Frias is 4-3 with a 3.86 ERA this year; however, minus a rough start against the Padres in May, he’s at a 2.20 ERA. Frias has only faced one of the Rangers and that was Josh Hamilton, who is currently on the disabled list.



Opposing Frias is right-hander Yovani Gallardo, who is 5-6 with a 3.45 ERA. He’s faced the Dodgers plenty of times, but that was as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. Gallardo is coming off one of his best performances of the year, going seven innings while allowing two runs and striking out 10.

The Rangers feature an offense led by Mitch Moreland and Prince Fielder in the middle. Also, prospect Joey Gallo has been on a tear since being promoted to the Majors. All three are a threat to hit the ball a long ways.

While it appeared that Alex Guerrero would get a start at DH because of his struggles on defense, he finds himself on the bench once again. Adrian Gonzalez receives a bit of a rest, starting at DH, and Alberto Callaspo gets another start at third base with Justin Turner at first base. Andre Ethier has the most at-bats against Gallardo, hitting .381 with a home run in 21 at-bats. Jimmy Rollins and Justin Turner are also hitting over .330 against the right-hander.

Dodgers Lineup:

CF Joc Pederson
RF Yasiel Puig
DH Adrian Gonzalez
2B Howie Kendrick
1B Justin Turner
LF Andre Ethier
C Yasmani Grandal
SS Jimmy Rollins
3B Alberto Callaspo

P Carlos Frias

Rangers Lineup:

RF Shin-Soo Choo
LF Joey Gallo
DH Prince Fielder
1B Mitch Moreland
SS Elvis Andrus
2B Rougned Odor
CF Leonys Martin
C Robinson Chirinos
3B Hanser Alberto

P Yovani Gallardo

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Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

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