Reds vs Dodgers Game Preview: Mookie Betts Scratched

Dodgers' Mookie Betts sidelined due to ankle soreness, creating opportunities for other players in upcoming game against Reds.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing some challenges during their homestand, particularly in their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Reds. Mookie Betts, a key player for the Dodgers, has been scratched from the lineup due to a right ankle injury. The injury occurred when Betts was trying to avoid being hit by a pitch during a game on Friday night. Currently, Betts is dealing with swelling in his ankle and his status is day-to-day.

In light of Betts' absence, the Dodgers will have to rely on other players to provide run support. David Peralta has been penciled in as the leadoff hitter for this game. The Dodgers are hoping that Emmet Sheehan, who will be making his seventh start of the season, can bounce back after a rough outing in his last game against the Texas Rangers. Sheehan allowed eight earned runs in just 3.2 innings pitched, causing his season ERA to rise to 6.75. He has struggled in his previous three outings, allowing a .315 opposing batting average and 17 earned runs on 17 hits. Sheehan's three-pitch mix hasn't been effective, especially against lineups that don't chase pitches outside the strike zone.

For Sheehan to find success against the Reds, he will need to focus on throwing strikes early in the count. The Reds have had the upper hand in three out of four matchups against the Dodgers so far in 2023. The Reds will be countering with Luke Weaver, who has also been struggling recently. Weaver has a 7.20 ERA and a 1.68 WHIP, with only 65 strikeouts in 80 innings. In his last seven starts, Weaver has given up 28 earned runs on 47 hits, with just 16 strikeouts. However, he has managed to maintain a 1-0 record during this span due to the Reds' offense providing him with ample run support.

The Dodgers plan to utilize their platoon bats against Weaver, giving players like Peralta, James Outman, and Jason Heyward the opportunity to make an impact. The Reds, on the other hand, will have to strategically use their lefty-bullpen arms to counter the Dodgers' left-handed hitters later in the game.

Here is the projected lineup for the Dodgers:

2B: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
DH: J.D. Martinez
LF: David Peralta
RF: Jason Heyward
CF: James Outman
SS: Miguel Rojas

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