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Dodgers Lineup vs. Yankees

Hyun-jin Ryu-6-2 vs. Phil Hughes-3-5

The Dodgers return to New York to play the Yankees for a two game interleague series which begins tonight. The Dodgers haven’t played the Yankees in New York since game 6 of the 1981 World Series. The Dodgers have played the Yankees twice since, taking two of three at Dodger Stadium in 2004, and losing two of three in Los Angeles in 2010.

If you remember the last game against the Yankees back in 2010, was the infamous 48 pitch Jonathan Broxton implosion game where the Dodgers blew a three run lead in the top of the ninth, to eventually lose in extras. Then manager Joe Torre, of course another former Yankee, was unable to see his own reckless use of his bullpen. Now his protégé another former Yankee who can’t use a bullpen properly either, Don Mattingly returns to his old stomping grounds. Mattingly of course played for the Yankees from 1982-1995.

Ryu and A.J.-Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees have been able to do something that the Dodgers haven’t, overcome all of their injuries. Now here’s an example of a team not using injuries as an excuse, and winning anyways. The Yankees have had a ton of injuries this season, mostly to their lineup. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Curtis Granderson are all injured. Also injured is Mark Teixeira, who is battling a wrist injury. There’s like half of their lineup. The Yankees have been winning with a solid pitching staff and a good defensive position player roster. The Yankees rank ninth in the majors in pitching, (staff ERA of 3.71), and they rank third in overall team defense. The Yankees have only made 25 errors all season. In comparison, the Dodgers have made 48 errors. The Yankees issues are on offense in which they are only hitting .240 as a team, but they have hit 72 home runs, compared to the Dodgers 50.

The Yankees had had to pick up and use guys like Lyle Overbay, and Vernon Wells, so I am not exactly sure what kind of lineup we will see from them. They still have second baseman Robinson Cano, Closer Mariano Rivera who is supposedly in his swan song season, and old friend Hiroki Kuroda, who we will see tomorrow.

The Yankees come into the series with a 38-31 record in third place in the A.L. East three and a half games out of first place. While the Dodgers come in still sunk in last place with a 29-39 record, seven games out of first place. Of course the Dodgers still haven’t announced who will start against Kuroda tomorrow night. They have three options. Chris Capuano is one. If he isn’t healthy, then they could call up Matt Magill, or they could use Jonathon Sanchez. None of those are great options.

For tonight’s game, they will give the ball to Ryu, who is having a solid season. He received a no-decision in his last start against Arizona, when he pitched six frames, allowed three runs on eleven hits and whiffed two. Ryu is 6-2 with a 2.85 ERA this season and 75 whiffs against only 25 walks in 85 innings pitched. Ryu is 2-1 with a 4.10 ERA away from Dodger Stadium.

The Yankees will counter with Phil Hughes. The 26 year old Mission Viejeo California native has had an up and down year. The right hander is 3-5 with a 4.89 ERA. He has 65 whiffs and 22 walks in 70 innings. Hughes is 28-14 with a 4.60 ERA lifetime at Yankee Stadium. In 307 innings there, Hughes has whiffed 268. Believe it or not but five Dodgers have faced Hughes before. Probably from their American League days. The Dodgers are hitting .375 ( 9 for 24) against Hughes. Adrian Gonzalez is hitting .357 ( 5 for 14) with a double. Nick Punto is 3 for 5 with two doubles and three RBI. No home runs though.

Hi Phil. We have never seen you before-Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Gonzalez of course has five home runs in 15 career games at Yankee Stadium. Andre Ethier is heating up to, and is 10 for his last 24. The Yankee fans will get their first looks at Yasiel Puig, who is now hitting .479. it remains to be seen how sore Hanley will be after fouling a ball off of hi snards on Sunday. With the games in the A.L. park there will be use of the DH in both games. Perhaps Hanley can DH and get some extra rest for little Hanley.

This should be interesting. It would be nice to see the Dodgers beat the Yankees in New York, but you know I have little confidence in this year’s squad to do anything other than find some way to lose. It’s just what they do in 2013.

I know these two games aren’t going to turn the season around, but can we just win for pride? Look Dodgers, you can go back to losing as soon as you leave New York. Until then you better win these two games, otherwise it will be mighty embarrassing on a national forum.

You can catch the game on KCAL 9 at 4:05 PM. Don’t forget to watch some Think Blue t.v. before the game, but afterwards hop over here to check out our recap of the game. Go Blue!