Friday night will be the beginning of the Freeway Series when the Dodgers host the crosstown rival Angels at Dodger Stadium.
The Angels come in one game over.500 with a record of 55-54, and the Dodgers own a record of 65-44
Newest Dodger Trea Turner possibly may be activated Saturday, depending on his COVID situation.
After making the Cole Hamels signing official, the Dodgers signed another veteran Friday morning in right-hander Nick Tropeano. The 30-year-old pitcher has spent time with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets this year. So far in 2021, he’s posted a 2.25 ERA in eight innings over five games.
The Dodgers have continuously been adding pitching depth since the injuries to notable arms like Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Jimmy Nelson.
Throughout his career, Tropeano has posted a 4.22 ERA over 241 innings, and a career WHIP of 1.37.
After the collapse of the Diamondbacks Thursday in the ninth inning against the Giants, the Dodgers now enter the weekend four games behind the first-place Giants.
Pitching matchups set for the series are lefty Patrick Sandoval vs David Price, righty Jaime Barria vs Julio Urias, and lefty Reid Detmers vs Walker Buehler.
The Angels are without a key bat in Anthony Rendon who’s recently been announced out for the season. Mike Trout and first-time All-Star Jared Walsh are also among the injured.
It will also be the first time that Albert Pujols faces his former team since they released him earlier this year.
Price will open the series on Friday. So far, he is 4-1 with a 3.55 ERA and has done a nice job in several roles this year whether in the bullpen or starting games. He will face Sandoval, who’s 3-5 with a 3.38 ERA.
Detmers will make his second major league start on Sunday. He is a 2020 first-round pick by the Angels.
Dodger Manager Dave Roberts also provided an update on Clayton Kershaw; he is now expected to return sometime in September.
The first pitch for Friday’s opener is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Pacific.
Think Blue Planning Committee 
Kershaw not expected until Septmberish? How bad is Kershaw’s forearm? Is it so serious he needs TJ Surgery or a long rehab? IS Kerrhsaw’s career possibly over? Kershaw is such a competitor I am sure he is going to work to overcome it. Friedman has direct input from the medical staff. This would explain the trade for Scherzer and Duffy. We may see Pepiot, Jackson, and others this year.
Scherzer, Buehler, Urias and ? maybe, Duffy, they should bring up Pepiot and Jackson!
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I disagree. I am not using untested kids in a pennant race that is like this. Too much pressure. Cleavenger cannot handle it. He lost his 4th game tonight, all in extras. Once again they were pitiful with runners in scoring position. Muncy’s lead off double dies at third. Too many pop outs on very hittable pitches. Nelson to have season ending elbow surgery so forget him. I think they should bring up Quackenbush. He has been lights out at AAA, and has MLB experience. The big stage will not bother him. I do not think Kersh is done, and it does not look like he will need surgery. Lets just quit guessing about these things, and wait until we know exactly what is going on. Giants lost tonight and once again the Dodgers did not take advantage.
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Another one and done. Good thing we have 4/5 open spots on our 40 man rister
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Trea Turner era begins tonight. It is a new day…
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He is such an upgrade wherever or whoever he replaces. With speed! Gonna be exciting.
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