Braves Vs. Dodgers Game Preview: Emmet Sheehan Starts, Austin Barnes In Lineup On Bobblehead Night

The Los Angeles Dodgers continued to disappoint in their against the Atlanta Braves and now shift their focus to salvaging the four-game series with rookie Emmet Sheehan on the mound.

Although the Dodgers were shut out for most of the night, a late-game comeback again fell short. They nonetheless remain in command of the National League West by 13.5 games over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Sheehan gets the ball for his first start with the Dodgers since early August. He spent the past few weeks with Triple-A Oklahoma City, initially pitching out of the bullpen before making a start. In his three games (one start) after getting optioned to OKC, the 23-year-old went 0-1 with a 5.59 ERA and 1.03 WHIP but held opponents to a .129 batting average.

In his first stint with the Dodgers, Sheehan appeared in eight games (seven starts) and logged a 5.63 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 5.14 FIP, with a .217 batting average allowed. Sheehan was recalled as part of active rosters expanding.

This matchup with the Braves lineup will be Sheehan’s toughest task as they rank in the top spot in on-base plus slugging percentage, home runs, RBI and total bases, while additionally having one of the lowest strikeout rates in baseball.

Dodgers starters have allowed the majority of runs scored through two games, with the bullpen allowing just one of the 13 earned runs the staff has given up.

Bryce Elder makes his 27th start for the Braves, coming into play with a 3.50 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 107 strikeouts in 149.1 innings pitched. Elder faced the Dodgers on May 24, when he tossed six innings, allowing one run on seven hits.

Elder has received 5.73 runs of support from his offense while on the mound this season, a mark that the Dodgers lineup should aim to blow past. August was a rough month for the Braves right-hander, as he allowed four or more runs in three of five starts.

The Dodgers lineup features left-handed hitters Jason Heyward, David Peralta and James Outman in the outfield. While Mookie Betts slides over to second base, providing them with another plus-matchup in the early innings against Elder.

Austin Barnes is behind the plate on his bobblehead night giveaway at Dodger Stadium. Will Smith is in the lineup as well as the designated hitter.

Dodgers lineup

2B: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
DH: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
LF: David Peralta
RF: Jason Heyward
CF: James Outman
SS: Miguel Rojas
C: Austin Barnes