Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
The trips out toward the Pacific Ocean are never fun. They can mess with a team’s momentum and a fan’s sleep schedule. After the Phils have taken six straight wins from within the division, they are taking the six-hour journey to the City of Angels for a weekend series against one of the preseason NL favorites.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- Prospect Andrew Baker could help Phillies bullpen in 2023
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
- Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
The Dodgers come into the series one game under .500 at 11-12, which puts them in third place (3.5 games out of first). They are a team with a bunch of talent, but the offense can be handled if a few players are controlled. Corey Seager and Joc Pederson give the team the excitement for the future, and Yasiel Puig continues to baffle LA fans, while Adrian Gonzalez and Justin Turner provide the veteran presence in the lineup.
We all know about Clayton Kershaw but thankfully will not have to deal with him this weekend. The Phils will be faced with the task of continuing their offensive explosion against Kenta Maeda, Brandon McCarthy, and Hyun-Jin Ryu.
None of these three have been exceptional thus far, but solid enough to at least have the ability to bring the Phillies back to Earth.
It could be a very exciting weekend if the Phils find a way to control a couple of tough Dodger customers.