Editorials

Alex Wood Makes Dodgers Debut, Jimmy Rollins Returns To Philadelphia

Vincent Samperio-Dodgers Nation
Vincent Samperio-Dodgers Nation

The Los Angeles Dodgers came away with a Freeway Series sweep behind strong pitching and timely hitting. They now begin a six-game road trip with the first stop coming in Philadelphia, Jimmy Rollins’ old stomping grounds. Along with Tuesday’s game serving as a reminder of the past, it’s also a glimpse into the future for the Dodgers.

Alex Wood takes the mound for the first time since being part of a three-team, 13-player trade. In 20 starts this season, the southpaw pitcher is 7-6, with a 3.54 ERA, 3.59 FIP and 1.41 WHIP. Wood has managed to remain effective this season despite his strikeout numbers being at a career low.



Wood last pitched 7.1 shutout innings, allowing just two hits and walking three. Over 12 career appearances (seven starts) against the Phillies, he’s 3-2 with a 3.07 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. He last faced them July 4, throwing six innings and allowing four runs on 10 hits and walking away with a win.

The Phillies counter by sending Jerome Williams to the hill. The 33 year old is 3-8 with a discouraging 6.38 ERA and 5.58 FIP. The nine-year veteran has lost five straight decisions and is coming off an outing in which he allowed four runs on 10 hits in 4.2 innings.

Williams has five career starts against the Dodgers under his belt, though has not faced them since 2012. In those outings, he’s 2-3 with a 4.97 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. Williams allowed five runs on six hits in 7.2 innings en route to suffering a loss.

While Rollins was traded during the offseason by a Phillies team that appeared in need of a rebuild and one that’s struggled this season, Philadelphia is 12-3 since the All-Star break. Rollins again bats leadoff for the Dodgers with Joc Pederson hitting seventh, ahead of Alex Guerrero.

Be on the lookout for Andre Ethier, who is 2-for-4 in his career against Williams with one RBI. A batter that might give Wood some trouble in the lineup is shortstop Freddy Galvis, who is 6-for-10 in his career against the left-hander.

The Dodgers reinstated A.J. Ellis from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, and optioned Austin Barnes to Triple-A Oklahoma City to clear room on the active roster.

Dodgers Lineup:

SS: Jimmy Rollins

2B: Howie Kendrick

1B: Adrian Gonzalez

LF: Andre Ethier

C: Yasmani Grandal

RF: Yasiel Puig

CF: Joc Pederson

3B: Alex Guerrero

P: Alex Wood

Phillies Lineup:

2B: Cesar Hernandez

CF: Odubel Herrera

3B: Maikel Franco

RF: Jeff Francoeur

1B: Ryan Howard

LF: Darin Ruf

SS: Freddy Galvis

C: Carlos Ruiz

P: Jerome Williams

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