Philadelphia Phillies At Dodgers Series Preview: Pitching, Matchups And More
The Philadelphia Phillies won two of three on the road against the defending World Series champion Houston Astros.
The Phillies will now head for the West Coast for another crucial three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
There will be an added level of excitement as Bryce Harper is expected to be in the Phillies’ lineup Tuesday just 160 days after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Harper has reportedly been cleared to play.
Here are the matchups and a series prediction.
Monday, May 1 at 10:10 p.m. ET
Taijuan Walker (2-1, 4.97 ERA) vs. Tony Gonsolin (0-0, 0.00 ERA
This will be a good pitching matchup for the series opener.
Walker left his last start against the Seattle Mariners with right forearm tightness. It’s mildly surprising that he’s back on the mound so quickly. Don’t be surprised to see manager Rob Thomson limit his pitch count even though it looks like he didn’t have a setback.
After dropping the series finale to the Astros on Sunday night, it would be imperative for the Phillies to take the opener against the Dodgers. With Harper’s return, this is must-see-TV Monday.
Tuesday, May 2 at 10:10 p.m. ET
Matt Strahm (2-2, 2.31 ERA) vs. Julio Urias (3-3, 4.41 ERA)
With Ranger Suarez sidelined, Strahm has continued to give the Phillies some much-needed quality innings. Strahm will likely head back to the bullpen when Suarez is eventually recalled.
Strahm allowed just two hits and struck out five in 5 1/3 innings in his last start against the Seattle Mariners. The lanky left-hander had command of all his pitches and kept the Mariners off balance.
The Phillies’ offense will need to support him, especially against a tough pitcher such as Urias.
Wednesday, May 3 at 4:10 p.m. ET
Aaron Nola (2-2, 4.46 ERA) vs. Gavin Stone (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Nola’s velocity has been down a bit this season, though the Phillies don’t seem concerned. The warmer the weather, the better Nola usually pitches. In sunny Los Angeles, the conditions appear to be just right for Nola.
It will be the Major League debut for Stone, who’s ranked No. 49 on MLB Pipeline’s top 100 list. Stone was a fifth round pick by the Dodgers in the 2020 draft.
Prediction:
The Phillies played really well in Houston and that positive momentum should carry over. With the return of Harper, they’ll be stoked for sure. Look for the Phillies to keep surging and win two of three once again before returning home to face the Boston Red Sox.
More From SI's Inside The Phillies:
- Phillies Star Bryce Harper Doesn't Hold Back on Thoughts About Joe Girardi
- How Mike Trout Will Join the Phillies
- Could Bryce Harper's Favorite MLB Player Join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023?
- Could The Phillies Soon Be Playing in Wawa Park?
- Bryce Harper-Obsessed Japanese Baseball Star Wants to Play for Phillies
- Six Philadelphia Phillies Declare Free Agency
- Rumored Phillies Free Agent Target Just Opted Out of Contract
- Jimmy Rollins Describes Disrespectful Treatment by Ryne Sandberg
- Phillies Release 2023 Regular Season Schedule
- Picking the Phillies' All-Time Single Season Lineup
Make sure to follow Inside the Phillies on Substack and Twitter!
