Yasiel Puig returns to Dodger Stadium as Dodgers host Reds

The Cincinnati Reds (5-9) will be in town for three games this week, welcoming back former Dodgers Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer.

Monday: Clayton Kershaw (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Luis Castillo (1-1, 0.92 ERA)

First pitch: 7:10 pm PT

TV: SportsNet LA, ESPN (no blackout)

On Jackie Robinson Day, the Dodgers will get their ace back, as Clayton Kershaw will be making his 2019 debut. After starting the season on the injured list, Kershaw made two minor-league rehab starts. In his last start at Tulsa, he threw six innings, striking out six while allowing two runs.

Making his fourth start of the season will be Luis Castillo. He’s been electric so far this season, as he hasn’t allowed more than one run in any of his starts. On top of that, he’s also been able to provide length for the Reds, as he’s thrown seven innings in his last two outings. So far on the young season, he’s been one of the most effective strikeout pitchers in the game, racking up 25 already through 19 ²⁄₃ innings.

Tuesday: Kenta Maeda (2-1, 4.76 ERA) vs. Tyler Mahle (0-0, 0.82 ERA)

First pitch: 7:10 pm PT

TV: SportsNet LA

It’s been a rough start to the 2019 campaign for Kenta Maeda. He’s coming off his worst start of the year, where he allowed five runs on seven hits in St. Louis last week. Though it’s only been three starts, Maeda is allowing more homers per nine innings, while striking out less per nine innings than he did last season.

This will be the third start of the season for Tyler Mahle, and he’s been pretty productive for the Reds. In his two combined starts, he’s allowed only one run. He’s coming off an outing against the Marlins where he allowed only two hits and struck out seven, though he did walk four in only five innings of work.

Wednesday: TBD vs. Sonny Gray (0-2, 2.03 ERA)

First pitch: 12:10 pm PT

TV: SportsNet LA

The Dodgers still haven’t listed a starting pitcher for their Wednesday afternoon contest. Based off the rotation and schedule, it will likely be Walker Buehler, but we’ll just wait and see if Roberts goes with someone else.

Sonny Gray was acquired in the offseason from the Yankees. After a short first start of the year in which he lasted only 2 ²⁄₃ innings, he’s looked good over his previous two. He tosses 6 ²⁄₃ against the Pirates, striking out seven and allowing only one run. Looking even better in his last start, Gray struck out six and allowed only two hits. Though, he exited after only four innings after leaving the game with a left calf contusion.