Dodgers Face Guardians Amid Injury Struggles and Home Losing Streak

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Guardians host the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, hoping to end a three-game home losing streak. Cleveland enters the matchup with a record of 29-25 overall and 14-10 at home. The Guardians have performed well in close games, boasting an 8-4 record in outings decided by one run.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, holds a 34-21 record, with a slightly less impressive 15-13 mark in road games. The Dodgers currently lead the National League with 87 home runs, averaging 1.6 homers per game.

Top players for the Guardians include Steven Kwan, who leads the team with a .314 batting average, 12 doubles, four home runs, and 19 RBIs. Jose Ramirez has been a standout, hitting 16 for 43 in his last 10 games with three RBIs.

For the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani shines with nine doubles, four triples, and 20 home runs. Freddie Freeman adds depth, going 14 for 40 with four doubles over his last 10 games.

In their last 10 games, the Guardians have a 4-6 record with a batting average of .222 and a 4.03 ERA, while being outscored by five runs. The Dodgers have also struggled slightly, finishing 5-5 while hitting .233 and posting a 4.26 ERA, managing to outscore their opponents by just one run.

Injuries have affected both teams significantly. The Guardians have multiple players on the injured list, including Will Brennan (10-Day IL, forearm) and Shane Bieber (60-Day IL, elbow). The Dodgers are also contending with a long list of injuries, such as Kirby Yates (15-Day IL, hamstring) and Blake Snell (60-Day IL, shoulder).