Jul 27

Game 102, 2016

Rays at Dodgers, 12:10PM PT, TV: SPNLA, Fox Sports Sun

Brandon McCarthy (2-0, 1.61 ERA) makes his fifth start since his return from Tommy John surgery. He won his first two starts and has gotten no decision in the last two, despite pitching well and going at least 6 innings in each one. His opponent will be Matt Moore (6-7, 4.31 ERA), whose last four starts have also been pretty good; he’s posted a 3.00 ERA and has gone at least six innings in every start during that span.

Here’s a tidbit from a larger discussion of whether a shorter baseball season (only a few games shorter, to be sure) might make sense:

This year, the Dodgers are the kings of killing offense late in games. From the seventh through ninth innings, batters against their pitchers have hit just .190, posted a .255 OBP, struck out in 27% of their plate appearances and scored only 80 runs in 94 games.

Dave Roberts thinks Puig will be back Wednesday. Meanwhile, his shoes have offended the high-minded executives (read: guardians of shoe contracts) at MLB.

Lineup when available.