Deciding game of the series before the All-Star break

May 14, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; The exterior of Comerica Park before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners. Mandatory Photo Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers blew a five-run lead in the ninth inning and now need a win in the playoff game against the Detroit Tigers before the All-Star break to avoid a second consecutive loss in the series.

As things stand, their six-game road trip will result in a loss, largely due to the loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Dodgers end the unofficial first half with a bullpen game, not a desirable approach for a group that has been overwhelmed of late due to injuries and inconsistent performances from starters.

Sunday is the second game in the last four days in which the Dodgers are technically using a relief pitcher. Anthony Banda was used as the opener in the series finale against the Phillies and ultimately had to settle for loss.

That role will now be filled by Brent Honeywell, although the right-hander could potentially pitch multiple innings. The start is Honeywell’s first of the season and his third of his career, with the previous two coming in 2021 when he was with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Dodgers claimed Honeywell off waivers after he was designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 29-year-old pitched a scoreless inning for the Pirates on July 8 and allowed one run in 2.1 innings on July 10.

Ricky Vanasco was sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City in exchange for Honeywell being added to the Dodgers’ roster. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was placed on the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster.

The Tigers counter with Beau Brieske, who makes his first start of the season and his 19th overall appearance. The 26-year-old started 15 games for the Tigers in 2022 and once last season.

Brieske is off to a 1-0 start this year with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. Brieske is pitching on two consecutive days, as he faced four batters and recorded two outs while allowing one run on two hits.

Dodgers lineup

DH: Shohei Ohtani
C: Will Smith
1B: Freddie Freeman
LF: Teoscar Hernández
RF: Andy Pages
SS: Miguel Rojas
2B: Gavin Lux
3B: Chris Taylor
Midfield: James Outman

RF: Wenceel Perez
2B: Colt Keith
CF: Matt Vierling
DH: Riley Greene
C: Carson Kelly
3B: Gio Urshela
SS: Zach McKinstry
1B: Andy Ibanez
LF: Ryan Vilade

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