The Los Angeles Dodgers head to the Midwest on Thursday as they get set for a four-game weekend series with the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers once again have their eyes set on a World Series title and have all the tools to make a run at it again in 2023. The Cubs, meanwhile, boldly updated their roster this offseason and added speed and defense and the results have been encouraging thus far. The pitching matchup for Thursday night's opener will feature right-hander Michael Grove (0-1, 9.00) making his third start of the season for the Dodgers against veteran righty Jameson Taillon (0-2, 4.50) for the Cubs. The opening pitch is set for 7:40 PM EST.
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The LA Dodgers are still searching for the consistent winning that led them to a club record of 111 wins in 2022. LA has had just one winning streak the entire season, a three-game winning streak that ended on April 7th. Wednesday afternoon, following a shutout win by Clayton Kershaw on Tuesday night, the Dodgers had a chance to make it two straight wins with a victory over the visiting Mets. Unfortunately, the Dodgers inconsistent play continued on Wednesday afternoon in a 5-3 loss to the Mets. The Dodgers had just five hits against six Mets' pitchers as they played without Mookie Betts, Chris Taylor and Will Smith were all out of action.
Victory formation!
Dodgers x @Yaamava pic.twitter.com/AoLff4iuYx
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 19, 2023
The Dodgers will hand the ball to righty Michael Grove on Thursday night, hoping to change his fortunes this season. Grove has had three appearances this season, going 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA. Grove's best performance of the season came against the Cubs, however. He went 5.2 innings and allowed just two hits and one run in an eventual 2-1 Dodgers' win. LA has won two of Grove's three starts this season despite less than gaudy numbers. Overall, he has thrown 13 innings while allowing 16 hits and 13 runs. Grove has walked five while striking out 14 batters.
Key Injuries: C Will Smith is out with concussion.