Game Preview: Dodgers Get Their First Look At Brian Dozier

Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers

Time: 7:10 PM PT

Venue: Dodger Stadium

Milwaukee Record: 63-47

Los Angeles Record: 59-49

How are the Dodgers Doing?

The Dodgers offense has suddenly disappeared over the past three days. They have combined for a total of four runs and nine hits since Sunday. They have moved down in the standings, as they are now tied with the Rockies for second place. Both teams trail the Diamondbacks by half a game.

Why is this Game Important?

On Monday, Dodgers fans got their first live look at Manny Machado. On Wednesday, they will see another fresh face, this time in the form of Brian Dozier. The Dodgers acquired Dozier from the Twins on Tuesday in a deal that sent Logan Forsythe, along with two prospects to Minnesota. Dozier was an all-star in 2015 and is batting .224 with 16 home runs this year.

Pitching Matchup

Rich Hill (4-4, 3.82 ERA) vs Chase Anderson (7-7. 3.69 ERA)

Rich Hill will make the first start for the Dodgers in August. In two starts since the All-Star break, Hill is 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA. His first start of the second half was against the Brewers, where he struck out nine batters in six innings.

Chase Anderson has a 1.93 ERA over his last seven starts, allowing two runs or fewer in each outing. He won his last game against the Giants, giving up just one run over six innings.

Matchup of the Day

Brian Dozier vs Chase Anderson

The Dodgers appear to have gotten Brian Dozier at the right time. He has hit an MLB-best 40 HR in 112 games from August to October over the previous 2 seasons. pic.twitter.com/tkcxtCEQcU

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 31, 2018

With the first day of August on Wednesday, the Dodgers waited for the perfect time to trade for Brian Dozier. Historically, Dozier has been a productive player in the second half of the year. His best offensive month is August where he is batting .275 with 35 home runs.

He has faced Chase Anderson in the past, going 2-6 with a double.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Los Angeles: -160

Milwaukee: +150

FiveThirtyEight

Los Angeles: 58% chance of winning

Milwaukee: 42% chance of winning

Fun Fact

Brian Dozier led Major League second baseman in home runs each year from 2014-17.