Dodgers to Face Left-Handed Starter Eduardo Rodríguez Amid Injury Woes

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Dodgers will face left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez on Friday night at Chase Field, marking the first time they have encountered a southpaw starter in 11 games. The last left-handed pitcher they faced was Bailey Falter of the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 27.

This matchup highlights a shift from earlier in the season, when the Dodgers faced eight left-handed starters in their first 15 games. In the subsequent 23 games, they confronted only three southpaws. According to team statistics, the Dodgers struggled against left-handed pitching early in the season, maintaining a batting average of just .196 against southpaws through April 20.

However, the team’s performance has improved significantly since then, averaging more than seven runs per game. Currently, the Dodgers’ season stats show an increase in effectiveness against left-handed pitching, with a .248 batting average and a 122 weighted runs created plus (wRC+).

The Dodgers have recently benefitted from facing left-handed relievers, compiling a .350 batting average over their last five series against southpaw bullpen pitchers. This success comes despite missing key players Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman, both instrumental in facing lefty pitchers this season.

In contrast, the Diamondbacks have encountered difficulties during their recent games, entering the series against the Dodgers after dropping two straight to the Philadelphia Phillies. Arizona currently holds a record of 17-16, sitting fourth in the NL West. The team is facing mounting challenges, including injuries within their bullpen and the recent signing of free agent Corbin Burnes, who announced shoulder inflammation that will cause him to miss at least one start.

Rodríguez has had a mixed season, with a record of 1-3 and a 6.06 ERA in 32.3 innings pitched. His last outing against the Mets saw him surrender eight runs, perhaps indicating ongoing struggles despite showcasing initial promise earlier in the season.

As the teams prepare for the weekend series, the Dodgers will continue to rely on versatile player placements while they adapt to the absence of Hernández’s powerful hitting, which led the league in RBIs before his departure due to a groin strain injury.