The Los Angeles Dodgers, facing a disappointing losing streak, are set to wrap up their schedule before the All-Star break with a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. This comes after the Dodgers were swept in their recent series against the top-ranked Philadelphia Phillies, extending their losing streak to four games.

Trying to stabilize the rotation, the Dodgers will send veteran James Paxton to the mound to start the series opener on Friday. This marks the 173rd start of Paxton’s career.

The scenario for the Dodgers intensifies as rookie Justin Wrobleski, who will only be making his second major league start, is slated to pitch Saturday. The Dodgers’ rotation is particularly thin this weekend, as Tyler Glasnow was placed on the injured list recently and Bobby Miller has been sent to the minors.

Consequently, Los Angeles is expected to rely heavily on its bullpen in Sunday’s game against the Tigers, who will also be hosting a bullpen game following a strategy shift for Kenta Maeda.

Maeda, now with the Tigers after signing a two-year, $24 million contract, has been a significant disappointment this season. His 7.26 ERA over 16 starts rank him among the worst in the major leagues for pitchers with at least 60 innings pitched. This has led to increasing discontent among the Detroit fanbase.

Meanwhile, the Tigers will showcase Tarik Skubal, a leading contender for the American League Cy Young Award, boasting a stellar ERA of 2.37. Skubal continues to impress, having struck out a career-high 13 batters in his last outing. The series will also feature Tigers rookie Keider Montero, who is preparing for his fourth major league start on Saturday.

Under manager A.J. Hinch, who returned to MLB with the Tigers after a suspension due to his role in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, Detroit has shown recent signs of improvement with seven wins in their last nine games. However, they have yet to become consistent contenders during Hinch’s tenure.

This series marks the Dodgers’ first visit to Detroit since 2017. Los Angeles holds a strong interleague record this season at 13-7 overall and 9-3 in away games.

The Tigers, with a 15-16 interleague record, have struggled more at home with only 7 wins in 17 games. As both teams strive for momentum going into the mid-season break, this series could be pivotal for their second-half ambitions.

GameTimes and Probable Pitchers

Friday, July 12 @ 7:10 p.m:

Freddy Peralta (3.95 ERA, 3.71 FIP) vs. Jackson Rutledge (9.00 ERA, 14.17 FIP)

Saturday, July 13 @ 3:10 p.m:

Dallas Keuchel (4.61 ERA, 6.47 FIP) vs. Mitchell Parker (3.44 ERA, 3.92 FIP)

Sunday, July 14 @ 1:10 p.m:

Colin Rea (3.81 ERA, 4.67 FIP) vs. Jake Irvin (3.13 ERA, 3.63 FIP)