Dodgers Announce Starting Lineup for Series Opener vs Pirates

The Dodgers begin a new series with the Pirates.

Aug 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs the bases after a two-run home run in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Dodgers are welcoming the Pittsburgh Pirates into UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium for a three-game series beginning on Friday night.

The teams already met once this year in Pittsburgh, with LA taking two of three games.

The Dodgers are coming off a series sweep against the Colorado Rockies while the Pirates have won consecutive series against the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox.

Manager Dave Roberts was happy with the way his team fought to get back on track in Coors Field after losing three of four to the Milwaukee Brewers.

“A week ago, we were in a dark place, and it was just good to see us come back this series and play the way we’re capable of,” Roberts said on Wednesday. “This is a tough place to win baseball games and crazy things happen. But now we’re finished with [playing] 13 games in a row, and we get a day off.”

After Thursday's day off, the Dodgers should be refreshed and ready to continue their winning ways.

Dodgers vs Pirates Pitching Matchup on Friday

Right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is taking the mound for the Dodgers against fellow right-hander Bubba Chandler of the Pirates.

Yamamoto is 12-7 with a 2.60 ERA across 22 starts this season with 136 strikeouts to just 34 walks over 145.1 innings of work. Since the All-Star break, he's been lights out, pitching to the tune of a 1.82 ERA over 34.2 innings.

As for Chandler, he's also had a strong second half, going 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA over five starts (27 innings). Overall this season, the 23-year-old owns a 4.23 ERA with 108 strikeouts over 121.1 innings of work.

Dodgers Starting Lineup

Shohei Ohtani, DH
Freddie Freeman, 1B
Andy Pages, CF
Max Muncy, 3B
Mookie Betts, SS
Kyle Tucker, RF
Tommy Edman, 2B
Teoscar Hernández, LF
Hunter Feduccia, C

Dodgers Make Roster Move Ahead of Friday's Game

The Dodgers made a roster move ahead of Friday's series opener against the Pirates, recalling right-handed pitcher Paul Gervase from Triple-A and optioning fellow right-hander Emmet Sheehan.

How to Watch Dodgers vs Pirates on Friday

First pitch for Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, Aug. 21 is 7:10 p.m. PT/10:10 p.m. ET.

The game will be broadcast on SportsNet LA and in the MLB app.

The game will be broadcast on the radio on AM570 (in English) and KTNQ 1020 AM (in Spanish).

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