The Dodgers are playing their last series of the first half of the 2026 season as the only team currently having 60 wins or more, and a 14.5 game lead over their opponents, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Shohei Ohtani will make his last start before the All-Star break, and as such will not pitch in the Mid-Summer Classic. His start was moved back from Wednesday, as he is still battling some lingering health issues.
Eduardo Rodriguez is starting for the D-Backs. He has already faced the Dodgers lineup twice this season and has only allowed one run through 11 innings pitched. He has an overall ERA of 2.25, but over his last three games he’s garnered a 1.37 ERA and issued only three walks. He’s allowed two or fewer runs in 14 of his 18 starts this season.
Ohtani for his part has not done as well his last three games, allowing three, two, and four runs. Two of three quality starts, but much worse than how he started the season. He had faced the D-Backs in June, allowing only two hits in six shutout innings.
The D-Backs sit at 46-47 and are tied for second in the NL West with the San Diego Padres, with whom they just split a four-game set in San Diego.
As per usual, Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll are leading the way for the Diamondbacks offensively.
The Dodgers offense has been a little lethargic lately, and if Rodriguez keeps pitching the way he has been he’ll that offense at bay a little longer.
This is also the last series the Dodgers will play at home until the 28th of July, as they will be on a 10-game road trip on the East Coast after the All-Star break.
