Last Updated on August 19, 2016 5:32 pm by Brad Burns
Dodgers visit Reds, await more Kershaw news
The Dodgers realize that many people are more concerned with Clayton Kershaw’s looming bullpen session than tonight’s series opener with Cincinnati. Yet that in no way diminishes the importance of Game No. 121.
Coming off a 5-4 loss at the hands of Philadelphia, Los Angeles needs to rebound in a few short hours. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the visiting crew odds of -179 to do precisely that. Conversely, Bryan Price’s club represents a +164 underdog. The over/under run figure rests at 9.5.
Kershaw (herniated disk) may be throwing off flat ground tomorrow, but manager Dave Roberts is focused solely on Bud Norris (6-9, 4.26 ERA) this evening. The righty completed his rehab stint at Class A Rancho Cucamonga last weekend. Norris hasn’t pitched for the Dodgers since July 31, when a back strain forced him to leave an outing against Arizona.
The Reds find themselves welcoming back a hurler, too. Tim Adleman (1-1, 3.72) returns from Triple-A Louisville to oppose the NL West leaders. The 28-year-old began the season in Cincy’s rotation before suffering a strained oblique on May 19. His biggest challenge will consist of neutralizing Adrian Gonzalez, who’s hitting at a .389 clip over the past 14 contests.
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Having won nine straight affairs vs. the Reds, Los Angeles clearly knows what it’s doing at Great American Ball Park. On paper, we’re truly dissecting a total mismatch here. Yet Cincinnati holds a 9-7 record in August, and Norris can claim only one victory in 10 career meetings with the franchise. Expect the home team to keep matters surprisingly close.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: REDS +1.5