Dodgers Set for Daytime Matchup Against Rays on Wednesday

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for their last weekday afternoon game of the regular season, facing off against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. The game is set to begin at 12:10 p.m. at Dodger Stadium.

Star pitcher Shohei Ohtani is expected to take the mound, boasting an impressive 1.06 ERA and a 2.63 xERA, ranking him fourth in Major League Baseball among pitchers with a minimum of 60 innings pitched this season. However, Ohtani's participation hinges on the condition of his left knee, which caused him to exit a game in Pittsburgh last Thursday due to inflammation. After resting on Friday in Chicago, he returned as the designated hitter for the next three games and is slated to start at DH again on Tuesday.

Ohtani completed a bullpen session on Tuesday, which will serve as a final assessment before his scheduled start. Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism regarding Ohtani's health, stating, “We’re certainly mindful that he wants to make his start. The catch play, how he feels, the swelling has completely dissipated, so those signs give us confidence that he’s going to be fine.”

On the opposing side, left-handed pitcher Shane McClanahan will take the mound for the Rays. McClanahan has performed solidly this season, holding a 3.23 ERA and a 3.71 xERA over 13 starts, following a two-season recovery from Tommy John surgery and a triceps nerve injury. Additionally, Tommy Edman, recently activated from the injured list, is anticipated to start at third base for the Dodgers.

This matchup marks an important moment in the season for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning.

Game details are as follows: Teams: Dodgers vs. Rays, Ballpark: Dodger Stadium, Time: 12:10 p.m., TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of network), Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish).