Dodgers continue run against overperforming teams

Aug 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) pumps his fist as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Following a couple of

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What is the story about?

Following a couple of series away from home against the Pirates and White Sox, the Dodgers return home to face yet another team with a record above their initial expectations—a Rays team battling neck and neck with the Yankees for the AL East lead. Right at the center of this phenomenal campaign of the Rays lies the stabilizing work of veteran right-hander Nick Martínez alongside Drew Rasmussen at the top of the rotation. While Martinez’s terrific numbers in 2026 come as a surprise given his recent

track record, specifically for Dodger fans, it is no new thing to see him perform well.

When Martinez takes the mound for the 41-27 Rays against the Dodgers, he’ll put on the line the finest numbers of his career against any big league club. Martínez has a 2.50 ERA in 36 innings against the Dodgers across three starts and another 10 appearances out of the bullpen. Mookie Betts, for instance, the Dodgers’ player with the most at-bats against Martínez, has a near .200 average in 29 at-bats against him.

As a team, the Dodgers didn’t get out of Chicago with a lot of positives, but one of them was seeing Betts’ bat coming alive, with the shortstop piling on five hits in the last two games, including a homer. Betts now carries this spark into a tough challenge facing a pitcher he has routinely struggled against.