Dodgers vs Brewers Preview: Monster Sasaki Takes the Mound

Here's the matchup that matters on Saturday: Roki Sasaki takes the mound for Los Angeles. The young Japanese superstar is already proving why the Dodgers signed him. He's got a razor-sharp 2.25 ERA and strikes out batters like he's playing a different game. Robert Gasser counters for Milwaukee. The Brewers need their starter to keep the Dodgers' powerful lineup off balance. This is the kind of pitcher's duel that can swing an entire series. Both teams know the next few innings will be critical.

Los Angeles just dropped a game to Milwaukee yesterday. The Dodgers are 31-20, which is solid, but they're missing some big names. Blake Snell needs surgery and won't be back for weeks. Tyler Glasnow is still dealing with back issues. Max Muncy took a pitch to the wrist and could sit out a few games. Even with all these injuries, the Dodgers' pitching is still scary good. The lineup has Shohei Ohtani and other superstars ready to strike.

The Brewers are rolling! They're 30-18 and just won four straight games, including that 5-1 victory over the Dodgers yesterday. You saw it yourself: Contreras crushed a two-run homer in the first inning. Chourio and Vaughn scored early. That's the kind of aggressive baseball Milwaukee plays. Now they're back home at American Family Field, where they're 16-9. The energy is high. Trevor Megill anchors the bullpen as a closer you can trust. This team believes it can take the series.