Dodgers @ Marlins

Who will WIN this matchup?

Los Angeles Dodgers (86-37)

@ Miami Marlins (54-70)

Starting Pitchers:

Anderson (LAD): 13-2; 2.73 ERA

TBD (MIA) 0-0; 0.00 ERA

Current odds:

Los Angeles Dodgers: (-294)

Miami Marlins: (+236)

• The starting line-up for the Dodgers is as follows:

• The starting line-up for the Marlins is as follows:

• Lefty Tyler Anderson, who is having a breakthrough season after being released three years ago, will start on Friday when his Los Angeles Dodgers open a four-game series against the host Miami Marlins. The Dodgers own the best record in the majors and the largest lead over their second-place pursuer, a whopping 19 1/2-game advantage over the San Diego Padres.

• Miami, which has not named a starter for Friday, is 16 games under .500. Marlins fans and the team’s front office are no doubt looking ahead to 2023 while the players and manager Don Mattingly play out this season.

• Anderson (13-2, 2.73 ERA), a Rockies first-round pick in 2011, was released by Colorado in October 2019He then pitched for three organizations — Giants, Pirates and Mariners — before the Dodgers signed him to a one-year, $8 million contract almost as an afterthought. In fact, he didn’t sign until March 18, and he was penciled in as a long reliever initially.

• Anderson, 32, didn’t make his first start of this season until April 23. Yet, he has been amazingly consistent all season, starting the year 8-0. He made the All-Star team and hasn’t lost consecutive decisions all year. Indeed, his ERA has been under 4.00 every month this season, with a best of 1.11 in July. He has a 3.24 ERA so far this month.

• In his most recent outing, he received a no-decision in the Dodgers’ 2-1 win over the visiting Marlins last Friday. In that game, Anderson struck out six batters in seven innings, allowing one run on five hits.

• On Friday, Anderson will face a youthful Marlins lineup that is struggling. The Marlins have lost five of their past seven games, including getting swept in three contests by the host Dodgers last weekend.

• Depending on the day, the Marlins are starting as many as six rookies, including catcher Nick Fortes, first baseman Lewin Diaz, infielder Charles Leblanc and outfielders JJ Bleday, Peyton Burdick and Jerar Encarnacion. None of those hitters have more than 80 games played in the majors. These young hitters are getting opportunities due in part to the injuries that have sidelined outfielders Jorge Soler and Avisail Garcia as well as 2022 All-Star Garrett Cooper, who has mostly been used at first base and DH.

• Miami’s rotation at the moment includes three established veterans, including National League Cy Young Award frontrunner Sandy Alcantara, as well as Pablo Lopez and Jesus Luzardo. Alcantara is set to face the Dodgers on Saturday, rookie Edward Cabrera will go on Sunday, and Lopez is set for Monday.

• It’s possible the Marlins will go with a bullpen day to open the series as lefties Trevor Rogers and Braxton Garrett are on the injured list.