The Dodgers rebounded from losing three of four games at St. Louis by taking two of three from Atlanta this week. Friday they will send right-hander Noah Syndergaard (1-5, 5.88 earned-run average) to the mound. In his last start, Syndergaard pitched five innings against the Cardinals but had no decision.
Tampa Bay had not yet announced a starting pitcher for Friday’s game.
The Rays, who have an impressive 24-5 record at home, won three of four games from Toronto including a 6-3 victory Thursday in which they stole seven bases, two by Wander Franco, his 16th and 17th thefts of the season.
The Dodgers lead the National League West with a 31-20 .608 record, 1½ games ahead of Arizona. The Rays (37-15, .712) have the best record in the major leagues and lead Baltimore by 3 1/2 in the AL East.
Pitcher Clayton Kershaw is expected to rejoin the team to start Saturday’s game. Kershaw has been on the bereavement list to attend his mother’s funeral.