Dodgers vs Pirates Series Preview: Probables, Injuries, and Matchups
The Dodgers open a three-game series against the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Get the latest on pitching matchups, injury updates, and key storylines.
Los Angeles Dodgers (42-24) versus Pittsburgh Pirates (34-32)
PITTSBURGH, PA—Fresh off taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels in the annual Freeway Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers head to Pittsburgh looking to keep their strong stretch of baseball rolling.
The Dodgers appeared poised for a series sweep after victories on Friday and Saturday, including a dominant 9-2 win fueled by a nine-run first inning, before falling 13-5 in Sunday’s finale. Even with the loss, Los Angeles has won 11 of its last 15 games and remains firmly atop the National League West at 42-24.
The Pirates present a tougher challenge than their overall record may suggest. Pittsburgh enters the series at 34-32 and has played solid baseball recently, going 6-4 over its last 10 games, while the Dodgers are 7-3 over that same span. The Pirates won the six-game season series between the clubs in 2025, taking four of the six matchups and posting a 4-2 record against the Dodgers, setting the stage for another intriguing three-game set at PNC Park.
For the Dodgers, the series marks the beginning of a six-game road trip and another opportunity to create separation in the NL West. For the Pirates, it’s a chance to make a statement against the defending World Series champions and continue climbing back into the National League playoff picture.
Pitching Probables
Game One: Eric Lauer (LHP) (2-5, 5.74 ERA) vs Paul Skenes (6-5, 3.09 ERA)
Game Two: Shohei Ohtani (6-2, 0.74 ERA) vs Jared Jones (1-0, 4.82 ERA)
Game Three: Justin Wrobleski (LHP) (7-2, 2.62 ERA) vs Mitch Keller (5-3, 4.81 ERA)
Game Times
Game One: 3:40 PM PT, SportsNet LA, SportsNet Pittsburgh
Game Two: 3:40 PM PT, SportsNet LA, SportsNet Pittsburgh
Game Three: 3:40 PM PT, SportsNet LA, SportsNet Pittsburgh
Who’s In & Who’s Out
The Dodgers continue to navigate a lengthy injury list as they open their series against the Pirates. Catcher Will Smith is considered day-to-day with neck stiffness after missing back-to-back games. Imaging conducted on his neck revealed no significant concerns, and the club is hopeful he could return as soon as June 9th.
The pitching staff remains especially impacted. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow (60-day IL) has been sidelined since May 8th with lower back spasms and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 6th. His recovery has progressed slower than expected, and he is not yet throwing, making a mid-July return the earliest realistic target.
Fellow right-hander Brock Stewart (15-day IL) continues to recover from a left foot bone spur and is expected to throw another live batting practice session before beginning a rehab assignment. Meanwhile, left-hander Blake Snell (60-day IL) began a throwing program on June 5th, roughly two-and-a-half weeks after surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, though he is not expected back until at least mid-July.
Several other pitchers are working their way back. Right-hander Evan Phillips (60-day IL) started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 4th as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery and could return sometime in July. Right-hander Edwin Díaz (60-day IL) began a throwing progression during the week of May 25th after surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow and could also return in July.
Right-hander Gavin Stone (60-day IL) continues a throwing program in Arizona while recovering from right shoulder inflammation, though he has encountered setbacks in ramping up and is not expected back until 2026. Right-hander Brusdar Graterol (60-day IL) remains without a timetable after recently undergoing a back procedure while already recovering from shoulder surgery.
The Dodgers are also missing several key position players. Outfielder Teoscar Hernández (10-day IL) is expected to miss roughly a month after suffering a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, putting his return in late June or early July.
Utilityman Kiké Hernández (10-day IL) faces a much longer absence after an MRI revealed a significant left oblique tear, with manager Dave Roberts estimating a six-to-eight-week recovery. Meanwhile, versatile infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman (60-day IL) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on May 26th and could rejoin the major league roster later this month.
The remainder of the Dodgers’ long-term injured list consists of right-handers Ben Casparius, Landon Knack, Jake Cousins, and Bobby Miller. Casparius, Knack, and Miller are all rehabbing at the club’s Arizona complex and are not expected to return until 2026, while Cousins continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery and is targeting a return during the second half of the 2026 season.
Day-to-day (1): Will Smith
10-day IL (3): Tommy Edman, Kiké Hernández, Teoscar Hernández
15-day IL (1): Brock Stewart
60-day IL (10): Evan Phillips, Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Jake Cousins, Edwin Díaz, Landon Knack, Brusdar Graterol, Ben Casaprius, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow
The Pirates will enter their series against the Dodgers without several key contributors, including veteran right-hander Chris Devenski (60-day IL). Devenski has been sidelined since May 7th due to an undisclosed illness and was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on June 7th to make room for infielder Davis Wendzel on the 40-man roster.
While the club had previously hoped he could return sometime in mid-June, the roster move means he is not eligible to be activated until at least early July.
Pittsburgh is also without shortstop Konnor Griffin (10-day IL), who was placed on the injured list on May 31st with a minor right forearm strain after experiencing elbow soreness following a May 27th game.
The organization expects the injury to require only a minimal absence, with a potential return coming in mid-June. Meanwhile, catcher Joey Bart (10-day IL) remains sidelined with a left foot infection after being placed on the injured list on May 12th, retroactive to May 10th.
Bart’s foot began swelling following a May 9th game in San Francisco, though he was cleared by doctors on May 29th to resume weightlifting activities in shoes. His return timeline remains uncertain.
Day-to-day (00):
10-day IL (2): Joey Bart, Konnor Griffin
15-day IL (00):
60-day IL (1): Chris Devenski