The Los Angeles Dodgers are fresh off a busy trading period where the team made several moves at the deadline. The Dodgers acquired Mat Latos, Alex Wood, Jim Johnson, Louis Avilan, Michael Morse and Bronson Arroyo in deals with the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves while giving up top prospect Hector Olivera and several minor league players. They will all be critical in getting the Dodgers to the playoffs while Clayton Kershaw takes the mound as their x-factor.
Kershaw will get the start against in-state rivals the Los Angeles Angels. Kershaw is currently 8-6 with a 2.51 ERA on the season while he looks to extend his own scoreless streak. Kershaw has been battling some injuries. He was given extra rise as he deals with hip and glute tightness. He was scratched in his last start, but is expected to be fine against the Angels. In his last start, he went 9.0 innings, giving up just three hits while striking out 11.
While Zack Greinke got the Friday start, it is unclear who will take the mound on Sunday. Latos is the likely candidate to play the final game of the series. While players like Morse while join the already crowded outfield with Yasiel Puig who was not traded at the deadline like originally reported.
The Angels also remained very active at the deadline beefing up depth on the offense. The team made moves for players like Shane Victorino, David DeJesus and David Murphy. That is not exactly a good representation of production as they have combined to go 2 for 15. Los Angeles has lost their last six of seven games prior to Friday's game while falling behind the Houston Astros who currently lead the American League West.
The Angels will be getting Mike Trout back from injury after he missed two games with wrist issues. Albert Pujols will also play a critical role as he is batting .375 against the Dodgers. The Angels will start Andrew Heaney on the mound to try and get some momentum going. In his last start he went six innings while giving up six hits and just two runs. He has found his stride since starting his MLB career. He is now 5-0 after a rough start.
