Padres vs Dodgers Game Preview: Kiké Hernández Starts Against Knuckleballer

Dodgers aim to bounce back after loss to Padres. Gavin Stone faces Waldron on the mound. Potential rain adds to challenge.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming to bounce back from a tough extra-inning loss to the San Diego Padres that snapped their four-game winning streak at Dodger Stadium. Gavin Stone is set to take the mound for his third start of the season, looking to improve upon his mixed results thus far.

In his first outing, Stone showed promise by pitching five solid innings with six strikeouts against the St. Louis Cardinals. However, in his last start, he struggled, only lasting three innings while giving up five earned runs and walking three. Poor weather conditions and defensive lapses didn't help his cause.

Despite the potential for rain during his start at Dodger Stadium, the weather is expected to clear up by game time. Stone has posted a 9.00 ERA across eight innings this season, with a 2.13 WHIP and 11 strikeouts.

The Dodgers will face a new challenge in knuckleballer Matt Waldron, who has also had a rollercoaster start to his season. Waldron allowed four runs in four innings in his first outing but bounced back with 5.1 scoreless innings in his next start. He has a 3.86 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts in 9.1 innings this season.

Despite facing a right-handed pitcher in Waldron, Kiké Hernández gets the start in left field due to injuries and struggles in the lineup. The rest of the Dodgers' regular starters are in the lineup, with Teoscar Hernández and Max Muncy swapping positions.

As the Dodgers look to get back on track, Stone and the rest of the team will need to bring their A-game against the Padres to secure a much-needed win at home.

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