Mike Bolsinger Starts As Dodgers Kick Off Second Half Against Nationals

The second half of the Major League Baseball season officially begins Friday as the Los Angeles Dodgers head to Nationals Park to face the Washington Nationals for the first time this year.

Having won five of their last seven games, the Dodgers enter today’s game with a 51-39 record, good for first place in the National League West. The Nationals, with a 48-39 record, are first in the NL East.

Taking the mound for the Dodgers is Mike Bolsinger (4-3, 3.08 ERA), who has gone at least six innings in a start just once in his last six opportunities. In his last outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, he allowed just two earned runs and five baserunners (four hits, one walk) while striking out six.

Bolsinger’s counterpart from the Nationals, Jordan Zimmermann (8-5, 3.22 ERA), is quietly having another solid season in our nation’s capital. In 10 home starts, he has posted a 2.27 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 67.1 innings pitched. Last starting on the road against the Baltimore Orioles, Zimmermann allowed four earned runs and nine hits in five innings pitched.

Jimmy Rollins is arguably in the midst of his best month of the year so far, slashing .257/.297/.429 in 37 plate appearances thus far in July. Additionally, he has played in over 230 games against the Nationals throughout his career and has a lifetime .694 on-base plus slugging percentage against them.

The Dodgers get their first look at Bryce Harper this season, who is also in the midst of a fantastic July. In 41 plate appearances this month, he owns a 1.100 OPS with two home runs and four doubles.

Dodgers Lineup:

CF: Joc Pederson

2B: Howie Kendrick

3B: Justin Turner

1B: Adrian Gonzalez

C: Yasmani Grandal

RF: Yasiel Puig

LF: Andre Ethier

SS: Jimmy Rollins

P: Mike Bolsinger

Nationals Lineup:

3B: Yunel Escobar

2B: Danny Espinosa

RF: Bryce Harper

LF: Clint Robinson

C: Wilson Ramos

SS: Ian Desmond

1B: Tyler Moore

CF: Michael Taylor

P: Jordan Zimmermann

Mike Bolsinger Hoping To Improve On Mistakes