With the Dodgers and Angels less than two hours away from first pitch, here’s a few things to consider:
On the bump:
- John Lackey (2-2, 6.10) takes the hill for the Angels. Lackey enjoyed his best start of the season in his last outing against the Giants, fanning a season-high 10 while allowing three runs over seven innings. He’s been shaky since missing the first six weeks of the season due to inflammation in his pitching elbow, allowing 52 hits in 38 1/3 innings (.335 BAA). Lefties are batting .422 against him thus far.
- Clayton Kershaw (3-5, 4.13) pitches for the Dodgers. Kershaw blanked the Athletics over 5 2/3 innings in his last start, but suffered a no-decision. He is winless in his last three starts, dating back to May 27. The 21-year-old southpaw has a 70/42 K/BB ratio in 69 2/3 innings pitched this season.
Martin ends drought:
- Russell Martin connected for his first home run of the season in the 6-4 win on Saturday night. The third-inning blast ended a 217 at-bat drought.
Figgins red-hot in June:
- Chone Figgins leads the majors with a .403 batting average since May 15.
Manny Who:
- The Dodgers are an NL-best 24-16 since Manny Ramirez was suspended.
Fantasy angle:
- Juan Rivera is batting .431/.508/.902 with six homers and nine RBI against left-handers this season
- Jonathan Broxton returned to the mound on Saturday after missing three games with a sore toe. He allowed his first home run of the season to Gary Matthews Jr., but still managed to notch his 16th save.