Dodgers Get Another Shot at Corey Seager, Rangers
The Los Angeles Dodgers will have another chance to face their former All-Star shortstop Corey Seager as they play the deciding game of a three-game series against the visiting Texas Rangers on Thursday.
Seager’s Impactful Return
Seager returned to Dodger Stadium for the first time since departing the team in 2021, making it a significant revisit on Wednesday. His impact was immediate as he hit a three-run homer off his ex-teammate Walker Buehler to help the Rangers win 3-2. Seager hit his 60th home run of the regular season at Dodger Stadium. Nevertheless, this particular one stood out as it changed the initial cheers from Los Angeles fans to boos in his following at-bat.
“I guess it kind of comes with the territory, so I get it,” Seager said, acknowledging the mixed reception. “I don’t blame them, you know. I get it.” Seager had missed the previous four games with a left hamstring strain, making his impactful return even more notable.
Rangers’ Pitching Holds Strong
Five Rangers pitchers managed to keep the Dodgers in check, aside from Shohei Ohtani’s home run in the first inning and a ninth-inning rally that almost tied the score. The Dodgers managed to pull within one run on a line drive to right-center field by Jason Heyward, but rookie Andy Pages was thrown out at home plate by a relay throw from second baseman Marcus Semien, sealing the final out of the game.
“It’s definitely a good feeling from that far out there to see an out call,” Semien said. “That’s what outfielders talk about. Seeing it all unfold from so far away is a good feeling, especially the last out of the game.”
Pitching Matchup: Michael Lorenzen vs. Dodgers’ Bullpen
The Rangers plan to have right-hander Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.05 ERA) on the pitching mound. In his last five starts, Lorenzen has shown an impressive 1.50 ERA. Nevertheless, his record shows a 5.91 ERA over eight relief outings versus the Dodgers, potentially benefiting the Dodgers.
The Dodgers are set to respond with a bullpen day, beginning with right-handed pitcher Michael Grove (4-2, 4.72 ERA). Grove pitched for one inning against the Rangers on Tuesday and allowed one run. All players are ready except for Banda, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced, revealing a complete bullpen to back up Grove.
Shohei Ohtani’s Recent Form
Shohei Ohtani, recovering from a recent hamstring injury, appears ready to return to peak form. During a challenging 10-game stretch from May 22 to June 4, Ohtani batted .175 with one home run, and the Dodgers went 4-6 with him in the lineup. After resting his hamstring, Ohtani has hit three home runs in his past seven games, including homers in consecutive games for the first time since early May.
“He’s just controlling the strike zone better, and when he does that, he’s the best hitter on the planet,” Roberts said. “That was a ball that was kind of right at his thigh and he took a really good swing at it (for the home run).”
Rotation Adjustments
Originally set to pitch for the Dodgers on Thursday, right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been rescheduled to start on Saturday. This choice is a component of the Dodgers’ plan to offer additional relaxation for their rookie player.
Conclusion
As the Dodgers get ready for the last game against the Rangers, they aim to use their strong bullpen and the impressive performance of their key players such as Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers are feeling intrigued and motivated as they strive to beat a strong Texas team, especially with the presence of their ex-teammate Corey Seager. This game offers lots of excitement and chances for those looking for MLB betting tips.
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