Dodgers begin homestand against Rangers

Q: What is Kumar Rocker's performance in his Major League debut?

In his debut against the Reds, Kumar Rocker allowed two runs in the first inning but pitched four scoreless innings afterward.

Q: How is the Texas Rangers' offense performing recently?

The Rangers have not scored more than three runs in any of their last seven games.

Q: Who are the notable players on the Texas Rangers roster?

The Rangers feature former Dodgers Corey Seager and Joc Pederson, along with new addition Andrew McCutcheon.

Dodgers begin homestand against Rangers

TL;DR

The Dodgers return to Chavez Ravine for a six-game homestand after a successful 5-1 road trip, facing the Texas Rangers, who are currently first in the AL West. Kumar Rocker will make his second Major League start for the Rangers, who have struggled offensively in recent games.

After going 5-1 on their first road trip of the season, the Dodgers return to Chavez Ravine for a six-game homestand. First up, the Texas Rangers.

The Rangers are currently in first place in the AL West, sitting at 7-5. In fact, they are the only team in that division with a winning record. They were swept by the Cincinnati Reds, and then swept the Seattle Mariners before heading to L.A.

Texas will send Kumar Rocker to the mound for his second ever Major League start. In his debut last Saturday against the Reds, Rocker allowed two runs in the first inning, due in part to sloppy defensive plays. He then settled in and went four scoreless innings more, stranding a runner at third with no outs in his final inning.

The Rangers offense hasn’t scored more than three runs in any of their last seven games. The team of course employs Old Friends Corey Seager and Joc Pederson and were joined this season by Andrew McCutcheon. Not an ex-Dodger, but probably everyone’s friend.

Interestingly, so far this season the Rangers have the fewest challenges to the new ABS system with 12 – nine by batters, and only three by their catchers. The Dodgers have had 22 total, with six coming from the batter and 16 from the catcher.

For their part, the Dodgers will send Tyler Glasnow to the mound. Glasnow has looked good so far this season, giving up four hits, two earned runs, and going six full innings in each of his first two games.

The Dodgers will look to reignite their offense that was so hot to begin their road trip, scoring 45 runs in four games. Friday night’s game will also be the first of the two Shohei Ohtani “greatest game” bobbleheads, highlighting his three home runs in Game 3 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers.