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Dodgers Open Series; Ohtani DH, Sánchez Boasts 0.86 ERA

7/21/2026

38 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened a series at Citizens Bank Park against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, July 20, 2026.
Emmet Sheehan started for the Dodgers while Phillies Cristopher Sánchez entered with a 7-1 record, 0.86 ERA and 0.932 WHIP in 73 innings.
Shohei Ohtani was limited to designated-hitter duties because of left-knee soreness.
Cristopher Sánchez’s season totals are a 2.62 ERA, 127.1 innings and 144 strikeouts through 20 starts.

History

Historical Context

After the 1994-95 players’ strike forced the 1995 season to start on April 25 and shrink to 144 games, the Dodgers finished with a .542 winning percentage while the Phillies won only 69 games. The 2026 Dodgers-Phillies matchup at Citizens Bank Park features pitchers Emmet Sheehan and Cristopher Sánchez, whose combined 0.86 ERA echoes the strike-era shift toward dominant arms.

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Story summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened a series at Citizens Bank Park against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, July 20, 2026.
Emmet Sheehan started for the Dodgers while Phillies Cristopher Sánchez entered with a 7-1 record, 0.86 ERA and 0.932 WHIP in 73 innings.
Shohei Ohtani was limited to designated-hitter duties because of left-knee soreness.
Cristopher Sánchez’s season totals are a 2.62 ERA, 127.1 innings and 144 strikeouts through 20 starts.

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