​The Los Angeles Dodgers are set for the second game of a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, July 11, following a day of rest on Friday. Max Muncy returns to the lineup after taking a few knocks during the first half of the season, and the Dodgers will be mindful to give him additional breathers as they push through the schedule. In addition, Muncy is slated to participate in the All-Star Game on Tuesday, which means he won’t receive a traditional extra day off.
Shohei Ohtani, managing a knee issue, was removed from his Friday start but remained in the batting order and is expected to stay in the lineup for Saturday as well. On a midseason note from West Sacramento, California, Muncy, the Dodgers’ third baseman (No. 13), is shown standing on first base after delivering an RBI single against the Athletics in the second inning at Sutter Health Park.
The Dodgers will face right-handed pitcher Brandon Pfaadt, prompting a lefty-heavy lineup with Muncy, Freddie Freeman, and Ohtani positioned as the core hitters, supported by Kyle Tucker in the middle of the order. Andy Pages, fresh off a strong night on Friday, will look to keep his momentum rolling into Saturday’s game.
Pfaadt has oscillated between starting and relief roles this season, and his 4.84 ERA reflects the inconsistency in his grip on a fixed role. Los Angeles appears poised to rekindle its offensive rhythm after scoring twice in the first inning but failing to push across another run until the ninth. The Dodgers will hand the ball to their ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, following a bullpen-heavy approach in the series.
Yamamoto has been turning heads with improved command and a steadier mix of pitches, making him particularly tough to hit when he’s locked in. Across 16 appearances (104.2 innings), he carries a 2.49 ERA, highlighting how well he has pitched since refining his control.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have shown they can exploit any gaps in the Dodgers’ bullpen, but with Saturday’s matchup, the odds appear more favorable for Los Angeles to regain the offensive momentum that has occasionally eluded them. The Dodgers’ strategic plan centers on leveraging their left-handed bats to counter Pfaadt, with Muncy, Freeman, Ohtani, and Tucker expected to drive the offense, complemented by Pages and the supporting lineup.
In this matchup, the Dodgers will rely on a disciplined approach at the plate, aggressive baserunning when opportunities arise, and the bullpen’s ability to bridge to Yamamoto, who is anticipated to provide another strong outing on the mound. As the teams prepare for the game on Saturday, the Dodgers’ strategy emphasizes a balanced attack—utilizing left-handed power against the right-handed Pfaadt, while protecting Muncy from unnecessary wear ahead of the All-Star break and taking advantage of Yamamoto’s recent command improvements to reclaim momentum in the second game of this divisional series.