The Dodgers have hit the low point of their season at 11 games under .500, but look to head into the All-Star break on a high note as they open a seven-game homestand Monday night against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers have lost three straight series and five of their last six series, and are 6-12 in their last 18 games. Rubby De La Rosa starts for the Dodgers in the series opener, against Chris Capuano of the Mets.
De La Rosa is coming off the best start of his young career, as he allowed one run in seven innings in Minnesota on Wednesday. Unfortunately for De La Rosa, however, he was saddled with the loss as the Dodgers couldn't score, falling to the Twins 1-0. The Dodgers scored 15 runs Monday in Minnesota in their most lopsided shutout win in 42 years, but scored just 11 runs in the five games since.
De La Rosa was scheduled to pitch Tuesday, but Ted Lilly was pushed back a day to Tuesday with elbow tenderness. With last Thursday's off day, De La Rosa is pitching today on regular rest. The Dodgers lost two of three to the Mets in New York earlier this season.
Capuano is 7-7 with a 4.27 ERA on the season and has won four of his last five starts. In 49 innings at home in Citi Field this season, Capuano has allowed just three home runs, but in 41 2/3 innings on the road he has given up 10 long balls. In his career against the Dodgers, Capuano is 2-3 with a 3.38 ERA in 10 games (eight starts).
Tonight's 6:10 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Prime Ticket. For more news and information about the Dodgers, or on tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.