The Los Angeles Dodgers (33-21) and Philadelphia Phillies (28-27) will open up a four-game National League series on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET on ESPN
Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies
Los Angeles has dropped six of its last seven games, including a 3-2 setback on the road to the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon, as the team continues to struggle offensively without the services of outfielder Matt Kemp. He landed back on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury for the second time this year on May 31, which has placed an extra burden on Andre Ethier. The club collected a season-low three hits in the series finale in the Mile High City. Los Angeles is 22-11 against right-handed starters, with the “over” going 16-15 in that situation.
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (4-3, 2.42 ERA) will make his first road start since May 2 on Monday night, as he comes in looking to snap a two-game losing streak, giving up eight runs (seven earned) and 13 hits over 12.2 innings over that span. The left-hander is 1-0 with a 2.60 ERA in three road outings, as opposing hitters are batting just .197 against him. In six career starts versus the Phillies, Kershaw is 0-4 with a 5.18 ERA, including an 0-2 mark and 6.89 ERA in three appearances at this venue.
Philadelphia ended up on the losing end of its last two games against the Miami Marlins, as the club has been unable to rally late offensively, dropping all 21 games that it has trailed in after seven innings. “When we get down, yeah it’s hard for us to come back,” stated Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. The Phillies are just 12-15 at home this season, while the “over” is 14-12 in that situation. Philadelphia has also lost three of four games as a home underdog of +100 to +125.
Phillies starting pitcher Vance Worley (3-2, 3.07 ERA) will return to the hill after spending time on the disabled list with right elbow issues, as he picked up a 7-3 home win over the San Diego Padres in his last start on May 11. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 3.79 ERA in three home outings this year, serving up three home runs in 19 combined innings. Worley has been brilliant at night during the course of his career, posting a 12-1 record and 1.84 ERA in 22 appearances (19 starts). He didn’t factor into the decision of a 9-8 road win over the Dodgers on Aug. 10 of last year, allowing six runs and seven hits over four frames.
Bettors will likely back the Phillies due to their 7-0 mark in Worley’s last seven starts versus NL West clubs, while the Dodgers are 1-5 as a road favorite.
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