Nationals, Dodgers kick off important set
Another much-ballyhooed prospect is about to make his MLB debut. And he’s poised to do so for a 56-win club to boot.
Reynaldo Lopez, who appeared in last week’s Futures Game in San Diego, will take the ball for the first-place Nationals tonight. The 22-year-old squares off against the Dodgers in the opener of a three-game set, with a 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch in the nation’s capital. Currently, handicappers question Lopez’s ability to handle the main stage right away. Online sports book BetDSI lists Los Angeles as a 1.5-run favorite, while Washington represents a +106 underdog.
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Only three months ago, Lopez found himself at Double-A Harrisburg. He quickly ascended to Triple-A Syracuse, though, wowing spectators with a devastating fastball. In 16 outings at the minor-league level this year, the righty compiled a 4-5 record with a 3.19 ERA.
Scott Kazmir, he of the 289 career starts, offers a great contrast on the other side. The veteran lefty holds a 1-0 mark and an ERA of 4.14 over three lifetime outings vs. the Nats. He may not have to contend with the .350-hitting Daniel Murphy either, as the stalwart second baseman continues to battle a hamstring ailment.
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It comes as a mild surprise, frankly, that Lopez nabs today’s gig instead of Lucas Giolito. Dusty Baker already watched the Nationals’ other elite young arm on July 7 at Citi Field, however, and recommended further seasoning in the command department. With Joe Ross sidelined due to right shoulder inflammation, Lopez could therefore open a lot of eyes. Still, we respect the Dodgers’ recent surge and expect them to give the newbie a snootful.
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