The Dodgers face the Reds on July 28, 2025, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound. Can the ace stop the skid? Plus, Blake Treinen returns to the bullpen.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The sting of a series loss to the Red Sox still fresh, the Los Angeles Dodgers (61-44) roll into Great American Ball Park tonight with a clear mission: get right. And they've got the perfect man for the job on the mound. Ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto takes the ball to open a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, looking to play stopper and get the Boys in Blue back in the win column.
Despite a recent two-game skid, the Dodgers' playoff odds remain a dominant 93.7%.
Tonight's pitching matchup feels tailor-made for a slump-buster. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with his sparkling 2.55 ERA and 124 strikeouts, provides a steadying presence that the team desperately needs. He'll face Reds rookie Chase Burns, who has struggled to find his footing in the big leagues, posting a 6.65 ERA in his first few starts. For a Dodgers offense looking to regain its rhythm, facing a young pitcher is a prime opportunity to put up some runs early and take the pressure off. After a frustrating weekend, seeing Yamamoto deal is exactly the palate cleanser this team needs.
Perhaps the biggest news of the day came before a single pitch was thrown. Veteran reliever Blake Treinen has officially been activated from the 15-day injured list, a sight for sore eyes for a bullpen that has been stretched thin. His return couldn't be more timely, especially with closer Evan Phillips sidelined for the season after Tommy John surgery. Treinen’s high-leverage experience immediately deepens the 'pen and gives manager Dave Roberts a desperately needed weapon for the late innings. To make room, the club also recalled lefty Justin Wrobleski while optioning Will Klein and Edgardo Henriquez, continuing the ongoing shuffle to find the right bullpen formula.
While Treinen's return is a huge plus, the injury bug continues to bite. Utility man Kiké Hernández remains out with left elbow inflammation and isn't expected back until August at the earliest, leaving a hole in the team's defensive versatility. The long-term picture for the pitching staff also serves as a stark reminder of the team's challenges, with key arms like Phillips, Kyle Hurt, and River Ryan all recovering from Tommy John surgery and not expected back until late in the 2025 campaign. These absences underscore just how critical it is for the current group, now reinforced by Treinen, to step up.
Tonight is more than just another game on the schedule; it's a chance for a hard reset. With their ace on the mound and a key bullpen piece back in the fold, the Dodgers have a golden opportunity to wash away the taste of the Red Sox series and reassert their dominance. A strong showing in Cincinnati would not only pad their NL West lead but also build crucial momentum as the final stretch of the season approaches. All eyes are on Yamamoto to set the tone.
