Tue May 20 01:20:00 UTC 2025: **Dodgers Look to Rebound Against Diamondbacks After Angels Sweep**
LOS ANGELES – Reeling from a demoralizing sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels, the Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a crucial series at Dodger Stadium. The team is hoping to avoid a repeat of their previous encounter with Arizona, which heavily taxed their already-strained bullpen.
The Dodgers are currently battling on multiple fronts. Key injuries to pitchers, the recent release of fan favorites Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor, and the sting of being swept by their crosstown rivals at home for the first time in a three-game series since 2010 have taken their toll.
However, there are glimmers of hope. Utility player Tommy Edman has returned from the injured list, and highly touted catching prospect Dalton Rushing has been called up, both expected to bolster the lineup. Max Muncy seems to be emerging from a slump, with nine RBIs in his last seven games, and Teoscar Hernandez is expected to return as early as Monday.
This offensive resurgence will be crucial, as the Dodgers face a daunting upcoming schedule that includes the Diamondbacks, followed by an East Coast road trip against the New York Mets and Cleveland Guardians, before returning home to host the New York Yankees and Mets again.
The team’s biggest concern remains the pitching staff. Clayton Kershaw’s return has been timely, effectively replacing Roki Sasaki in the rotation. Landon Knack has been thrust into the role of fifth starter, with the hope that he can provide at least five innings to alleviate the pressure on the bullpen. However, Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May have all struggled in their recent starts, forcing manager Dave Roberts to utilize the bullpen earlier than anticipated.
The Diamondbacks present a formidable challenge. Their offense performed well against Dodgers pitching in their previous four-game series in Arizona. While Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggled in that series, May and Gonsolin had strong outings. The Dodgers will have to contend with Arizona starters Brandon Pfaadt and Corbin Burnes again, both of whom shut them down in their previous matchups.
Landon Knack will take the mound for the Dodgers in the series opener against Pfaadt. Knack is looking to bounce back from his last start against the Oakland A’s, where he lasted only 4 2/3 innings and allowed five earned runs. With an inconsistent offense, the Dodgers will need quality innings from Knack and a renewed offensive effort to turn their fortunes around.
First Piper 