The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to conclude their 2024 season with a trip to Colorado, where they will face the Rockies in the final series before the National Playoffs. The Dodgers are on the verge of clinching the NL West Division title, needing just one more victory against the Padres on Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Rockies find themselves at the bottom of the NL West Division standings, playing for pride as the season winds down. The pitching matchup for Friday’s game remains uncertain, as the Dodgers have yet to announce their starting pitcher, influenced by the outcome of Thursday’s contest. The Rockies plan to send veteran right-hander Cal Quantrill (8-10, 4.72 ERA) to the mound for his last outing of the season, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM EST.
Dodgers Prepare for Playoff Push
The Dodgers are on the cusp of securing another NL West Division title after a critical victory over the Padres on Wednesday night. Following a 4-2 loss in the series opener, the team rallied back, thanks to a clutch performance from potential 2024 NL MVP Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani’s decisive single led to a 4-3 win, reducing the Dodgers’ magic number to one as they headed into Thursday’s game against the Padres.
*This analysis was completed prior to Thursday’s game results.
With the division title nearly in hand, the Dodgers are exploring various pitching options for Friday’s match. A first-round playoff bye is assured, given their four-game lead over the Brewers with only three games remaining. As a result, they may opt to use multiple pitchers to keep their key players sharp for the postseason. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who made his return from the injured list last Sunday, is a potential candidate for Friday’s start. The coaching staff aims to utilize this opportunity to prepare their lineup for the upcoming playoff challenges.
Key Injuries: Starting Pitcher Tony Gonsolin, Shortstop Miguel Rojas, and Ace Clayton Kershaw are sidelined.
Rockies Focus on Future Amidst Challenges
The Colorado Rockies are concluding their season with a three-game series against the Dodgers. This marks a significant turning point for the franchise, as they prepare for life after veteran Charlie Blackmon, who recently announced his retirement. The team is in the midst of a rebuilding phase, seeking to cultivate younger talent while moving on from some of their seasoned players.
Heading into Thursday’s matchup with the Cardinals, the Rockies sat at 98 losses, inching closer to a troubling 100-loss season. However, they managed to secure a thrilling 10-8 victory in their last game, with Blackmon contributing three RBIs and crossing home plate three times in a remarkable farewell performance.
For the series opener against the Dodgers, the Rockies will rely on Cal Quantrill, who will make his 29th start of the season. Despite a solid record of 12 quality starts, Quantrill’s recent outings have been less than stellar, as he has struggled to complete five innings in his last two games.
Key Injuries: Relief Pitcher Lucas Gilbreath, Starting Pitcher Ryan Feltner, and Relief Pitcher Tyler Kinley are out.
Best Bets for Dodgers vs. Rockies Showdown
The Dodgers have dominated the season series against the Rockies, winning seven of the ten matchups so far. Even with the division title nearly secured, they remain focused on clinching the top seed in the National League. This position is crucial, especially with the Philadelphia Phillies competing closely, known for their formidable home record and playoff success at Citizens Bank Park.
The Dodgers possess a potent offense that has consistently produced against the Rockies, scoring six or more runs in five of their ten encounters this season. Given the favorable conditions at Coors Field, known for its high altitude and hitter-friendly atmosphere, the Dodgers are expected to perform well. With their motivation and talent, they are likely to secure a comfortable victory against the Rockies.
