Los Angeles @ Washington preview
Nationals Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 5, 2011 ) LA Dodgers 2, Washington 7
THE STORY: Less than 13 months after he snapped a ligament in his elbow, Washington Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg returns to a major league mound to face the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. Strasburg underwent Tommy John surgery last September and is again throwing close to 100 mph. He’s set to make four to five starts for Washington down the stretch. Neither team is in the pennant race, but Dodgers-Nationals figures to be the most-watched game of the night due to the star power of Strasburg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft. Unfortunately, there is rain in the forecast.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2, KCAL
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Ted Lilly (9-13, 4.39 ERA).
Lilly has allowed three runs or less in his last seven starts. In August, he posted a 2.35 ERA with 31 strikeouts over 38 1/3 innings. In nine career starts against the Nationals, Lilly is 4-3 with a 3.29 ERA. Strasburg posted a 3.54 ERA and a sparkling strikeout-to-walk ratio over 20 1/3 innings during his rehab assignment. In his last outing for Double-A Harrisburg on Thursday, Strasburg allowed one hit in scoreless innings.
ABOUT THE NATIONALS (65-74): Washington had dropped 10 of 12 until breaking out with four homers in Monday’s 7-2 win. Michael Morse hit two to give him 26 this year, which ties for 11th in the NL. Rookie second baseman Danny Espinosa is struggling mightily against the Dodgers; he’s 0 for 17 with 10 strikeouts in four meetings this season after fanning four times Monday. Manager Davey Johnson said several minor-leaguers will be called up Tuesday, including Eastern League Pitcher of the Year Brad Peacock and second baseman Stephen Lombardozzi.
ABOUT THE DODGERS (68-72): After six starts, Nathan Eovaldi has been moved to the bullpen in an effort to keep his innings down. The 21-year-old held the Braves to one run over six innings Saturday. The Dodgers had won 12 of 14 until Monday’s loss in the opener of this four-game series. James Loney is 22 for 56 (.393) with three homers and 12 RBIs over his last 15 games.
FINAL PITCH: The season series is tied 2-2.