Merrill Kelly Seeks First Career Win Against the Dodgers

When Merrill Kelly faces Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers tonight he will be trying to do something he has never done before. Win a game against L.A. In 15 career starts against the Dodgers he is 0-10 with a 5.03 ERA and five no decisions. Of the 393 pitchers with at least 15 starts against the iconic franchise, no pitcher in MLB history other than Kelly has zero wins.

Kelly is 10-5, with a 2.97 ERA, which is 3rd best in the National League. He's faced the Dodgers three prior times this season, and pitched well despite two no decisions and a loss. In 15.1 innings he's allowed four runs, but just two earned runs. Most recently he threw six shutout innings against the NL West leaders on August 9th, but the Diamondbacks were shutout by Bobby Miller and the bullpen.

Clayton Kershaw is still arguable the best rate pitcher in the majors, with a 2.52 ERA, 173 ERA+ and a 1.016 WHIP in 107 innings. As had been the case since he turned 28 however, he has missed time, making just 19 starts. He's making his fourth start since coming off the IL with his latest injury. His most recent outing was cut short to just two innings due to a lengthy rain delay.

As always the matchup to watch against Kershaw is Christian Walker, who is is 10 for 33, .303 with five homers and a 1.081 OPS against the future Hall of Famer. Walker hit a homer against Kershaw on April 1st this year.

Lineups

Today's lineup features the interesting decision to bat Buddy Kennedy second and the red hot Gabriel Moreno 9th. In 18 career plate appearances against Kershaw , tonight's number three hitter Tommy Pham has one hit and one walk.

The Dodgers meanwhile are running out the virtually the same lineup as last night one through seven. Freddie Freeman is batting .333 with five doubles and homers in 24 at bats against Kelly. Max Muncy is 13 for 32, .406 with a 1.080 OPS.

D-backs Bullpen

Prior to the game pitching coach Brent Strom said that Paul Sewald was not available last night even if there had been a save chance, but he and the rest of the bullpen are all available tonight, with the lone exception of Bryce Jarvis, who threw 2.2 innings last night. Jarvis said he felt like he could pitch tonight but the team will certainly protect the rookie long reliever.