​The final game before the All-Star break features the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday at Dodger Stadium, a matchup that could hinge on the performance of a hurler eager to rebound from a rough patch. Emmet Sheehan certainly fits the bill as a pitcher seeking momentum, but the spotlight arguably belongs to Zac Gallen, who sits dead last among 61 qualified pitchers in both ERA (6.34) and expected ERA (xERA) at the moment. Gallen, the veteran D-backs ace, carried a 3.14 ERA and 5.17 xERA through the end of April, yet his results have taken a sharp downturn since then. In his last 13 begins, he has allowed 63 runs (59 earned) across 69 1/3 innings, posting a staggering 7.66 ERA and 7.11 xERA over that stretch.
Sheehan has endured a bumpy June but has shown signs of resurgence, giving up just one run while striking out five in each of his two most recent starts. His last outing, however, required 96 pitches to work 4 1/3 innings against the San Diego Padres, underscoring the grind he has faced on the mound and the level of endurance demanded in this late-season collision with a division rival.
Material details of the matchup underscore the stakes and the context. The Dodgers and the Diamondbacks meet at Dodger Stadium, a venue that has long been a fortress for the home team when the stakes are high and the atmosphere is charged. The start time is set for 1:10 p.m., with television coverage provided by SportsNet LA. For fans listening in, the game will be carried on AM 570 in English and KTNQ 1020 AM in Spanish, ensuring coverage reaches dedicated followers across both languages.
From a tactical perspective, all eyes will be on how the pitchers’ recent forms translate into the game-day results. Gallen’s current ERA and xERA trends suggest the Diamondbacks will need to lean on the offense and defensive support they can muster in the run prevention department, while the Dodgers will look to capitalize on any consistent traction Sheehan can establish early. The Sunday tilt represents more than just a routine end-of-week contest; it marks a crucible moment for players trying to restore confidence and for teams aiming to finish the first half of the season on a high note before the All-Star break.
Expect a game that tests bullpen depth, strategic matchups, and the ability of both clubs to capitalize on opportunities in key moments. Whether Sheehan can steady his approach after a difficult June or whether Gallen can rediscover his earlier production and stabilize his numbers will have a direct impact on the outcome. As always in this divisional rivalry, the execution of fundamentals—command, control, and situational hitting—will play a decisive role in shaping the afternoon’s result at Dodger Stadium.