Dodgers Vs. Pirates Game Preview: Austin Barnes, Max Muncy In Lineup
Austin Barnes, Max Muncy
Orlando Ramirez/USA TODAY Sports

After capturing victories in their first two games of their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Los Angeles Dodgers now go for a sweep at PNC Park. It would mark L.A.’s first sweep since they accomplished the feat against the San Francisco Giants in the middle of May.

Weather permitting, the game is slated for a 9:30 a.m. PT start time and is being carried exclusively by YouTube. Both games thus far between the Dodgers and Pirates have been delayed due to inclement weather.

If and when action on Wednesday begins, Julio Urias looks to add to a team-best eight wins this season. He enters with a 3.48 ERA and is looking to build on holding the Atlanta Braves to just one run over five innings his last time out.

Thursday is Urias’ fifth career appearance against the Pirates but only a second start against the club. In his previous outings, Urias is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA.

The Pirates send Mitch Keller to the mound for his 12th start of the season. The right-hander is 3-6 with a 6.65 ERA and is coming off a start in which he only logged two innings due to what the Pirates called “heat illness.”

Keller was placed on the COVID injured list and tested multiple times prior to being reinstated.

He faces a Dodgers lineup that again has Max Muncy in it as he was limited to appearing off the bench Wednesday night. The Dodgers are exercising precaution with Muncy as he works to overcome right ankle trouble that caused him to miss most of the Braves series.

Austin Barnes is also starting, which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts initially hoped would be the case for the second game of the series. Barnes has been bothered by a mild left ankle sprain suffered last weekend.

Dodgers lineup

RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Max Muncy
3B: Justin Turner
CF: Cody Bellinger
LF: Matt Beaty
2B: Zach McKinstry
SS: Gavin Lux
C: Austin Barnes
P: Julio Urias

Pirates lineup

2B: Adam Frazier
3B: Ke’Bryan Hayes
CF: Bryan Reynolds
C: Jacob Stallings
RF: Phillip Evans
1B: Erik Gonzalez
LF: Ka’ai Tom
SS: Kevin Newman
P: Mitch Keller

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