MLB-best Dodgers getting healthier ahead of series vs. Mariners

The Los Angeles Dodgers return home for the first time since before the All-Star break and are planning to welcome back reinforcements for a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.

When the series opens Tuesday, Dodgers utility man Enrique Hernandez is expected to be activated from the injured list. On Wednesday, closer Edwin Diaz is expected to make his return.

Hernandez has played just two games this season because of elbow surgery and a more recent oblique injury, leaving his versatility on defense and his ability to hit left-handed pitching out of the mix.

Diaz was signed in the offseason to be the team's first dedicated closer since the days of Kenley Jansen, but he struggled through seven appearances early in the season before undergoing a procedure for loose bodies in his elbow.

Also close to a return is left-hander Blake Snell, who underwent his own elbow procedure. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow and catcher Will Smith are in line for returns later this season.

Despite so many talented players being out of action, the Dodgers head into the series with MLB's best record at 67-39 following a 6-3 road trip against both New York teams, as well as the Philadelphia Phillies. Also thrown into the mix was the All-Star Game and a visit to the White House to celebrate the team's 2025 World Series championship.

"It (was) a long trip, a lot of moving pieces, variables going on, losing off days," said Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who was one of the team's six All-Stars.

"I thought we played really good baseball all road trip. I am looking forward to going home."

Los Angeles reportedly will send left-hander Eric Lauer (5-5, 4.83 ERA) to the mound. He is 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against the Mariners.

Seattle will counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (3-9, 4.85), who lost his third consecutive game when he gave up three runs on four hits last Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds in a 4-3 loss. He did throw a season-best seven innings on 101 pitches.

In five career starts against the Dodgers, Castillo is 3-0 with a 2.83 ERA.

The Mariners arrive in Los Angeles fresh off a rough road series against the Texas Rangers that was billed as a battle for first place in the American League West. Seattle trailed by just a half game when the series started and now sits 2 1/2 games back after losing three of four at Texas.

"We had different aspirations coming in here and it didn't turn out that way," manager Dan Wilson said after the Mariners' 7-3 loss on Monday. "And we've got to turn it up."

It was yet another tepid showing from one of the worst offenses in the major leagues. The Mariners have a collective batting average of .230 that is tied for last in the majors, while their .377 slugging percentage is next to last.

Assistant hitting coach Bobby Magallanes became the fall guy for the woes when he was fired last week.

"It's just never really felt like we were all moving in the same direction, and it shows on the field," Seattle president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto told reporters. "It shows in our results, and I hate that this (falls) on Bobby."

--Field Level Media