Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates Preview
Today's Starting Matchup
Today's starting pitching matchup features Los Angeles Dodgers's Eric Lauer (2-5, 5.74 ERA) against Pittsburgh Pirates's Paul Skenes (6-5, 2.83 ERA).
Pittsburgh Pirates's Paul Skenes posts an solid 2.83 ERA this season, while Eric Lauer has been struggling at 5.74. There is a clear gap in starting pitching quality.
Advanced metrics: Eric Lauer — FIP 6.53, K% 15.2%, 47.0 IP / Paul Skenes — FIP 2.60, K% 29.5%, 70.0 IP
Team Season Comparison
2026 season record: Los Angeles Dodgers 42-24 (.636), Pittsburgh Pirates 34-32 (.515).
Los Angeles Dodgers holds the edge in the season standings, though Pittsburgh Pirates can't be counted out based on head-to-head matchups.
Run differential: Los Angeles Dodgers +133, Pittsburgh Pirates +30. Los Angeles Dodgers boasts superior run production.
Recent form: Los Angeles Dodgers on a 1-game losing streak, Pittsburgh Pirates on a 3-game losing streak.
Based on starting pitching, Pittsburgh Pirates holds the edge.
Bullpen Analysis
Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Alex Vesia (Setup) 2.91 ERA, 30K in 21.2IP, Blake Treinen (Setup) 3.72 ERA, 19K in 19.1IP, Edgardo Henriquez 2.92 ERA, 25K in 24.2IP.
Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Brandan Bidois 3.97 ERA, 13K in 11.1IP, Braxton Ashcraft 3.28 ERA, 86K in 79.2IP, Bubba Chandler 4.91 ERA, 62K in 62.1IP.
Win Probability
Projected win probability: Los Angeles Dodgers 36% vs Pittsburgh Pirates 64%
Factors: Pittsburgh Pirates's starter owns the lower ERA, Pittsburgh Pirates's home-field advantage. Of course, baseball's inherent randomness means actual results may differ.
Key Tactical Points
Workload comparison: Eric Lauer averages 5.9 IP per start vs. Paul Skenes at 5.4 IP. Getting six-plus innings from the starter significantly eases the bullpen burden.
Eric Lauer has allowed 13 HR this season — a concern against a lineup with extra-base power.