Dodgers Vs. Rockies Preview: Greinke Looks To Get Dodgers On Track

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to start their six-game road trip on a winning note as they take on the Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers dropped back-to-back games against Cleveland Indians after briefly taking the division lead following a win Monday.

The Dodgers have a good chance of winning tonight with Zack Greinke on the mound as history shows how good he has been after a Dodgers loss. Greinke’s gone 13-2 with a 1.98 ERA in 19 starts following a Dodger loss since joining them the team.

Greinke’s most recent start was a brilliant 10-strikeout performance in which he gave up only one run in a 9-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. While the right-hander has been stellar this season with a 10-4 record and 2.78 ERA, he has struggled in last four road starts — going 0-2 with a 4.18 ERA.

One of the road starts came June 7 at Coors Field when he allowed four runs on 11 hits in seven innings. Greinke may catch a break Thursday as the Rockies are just 2-14 in their last 16 home games.

On the hill for the Rockies is Franklin Morales, who is 4-4 with a 5.75 ERA this season. Morales hasn’t been in the starting rotation since May 31 because of a 3-4 record and a 6.13 ERA in 11 starts and is making his return from the bullpen. The Rockies’ rotation has a Major League worst 4.98 ERA this season and has used a league-high 12 starters this season.

Thursday was deemed judgement day for Hanley Ramirez potentially going on the disabled list, the 30-year-old shortstop tested his calf prior to the game and is in the lineup. That didn’t prevent the Dodgers from making a roster move however, as Erisbel Arruebarrena was re-called and Carlos Triunfel was optioned.

With the left-handed Morales on the mound, Scott Van Slyke gets the start in center in favor of Andre Ethier. The San Francisco Giants suffered a loss Thursday afternoon, which means a Dodger win will put them half a game ahead in the National League West standings.

Dodgers Lineup

2B:Gordon

RF:Puig

SS:Ramirez

1B:Gonzalez

LF:Kemp

CF:Van Slyke

3B:Uribe

C:Ellis

P:Greinke

Colorado Rockies

RF: Blackmon

CF: Stubbs

1B: Morneau

SS: Tulowitzki

LF: Dickerson

3B: Arenado

C: Rosario

2B: LeMahieu

P: Morales
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