The Arizona Diamondbacks head to UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Friday, July 10, for a 10:10 PM ET first pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers — and the challenge does not get much bigger than this. Eduardo Rodriguez takes the ball for Arizona against Shohei Ohtani, who will both bat leadoff and start on the mound for Los Angeles. This is a division rivalry game with real stakes, and how the D-backs handle Ohtani in both roles will go a long way toward determining the outcome. Catch it on DBACKS.TV or Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Probable Starters: Rodriguez vs. Ohtani

Eduardo Rodriguez draws the assignment in one of the toughest road spots on the National League schedule. Pitching at Dodger Stadium against a Dodgers lineup loaded with recognizable names is a tall order for any left-hander, and Rodriguez will need to work efficiently and keep the ball in the park to give Arizona a chance.

On the other side, Shohei Ohtani is the story — as he so often is. He slots in as the Dodgers' leadoff hitter and starting pitcher, a dual role that still manages to feel remarkable no matter how many times you see it. Arizona's offense will need to be patient and disciplined in their at-bats against him, because Ohtani as a pitcher commands both sides of the plate and changes speeds effectively.

Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup

• Ketel Marte — DH
• Geraldo Perdomo — SS
• Corbin Carroll — RF
• Gabriel Moreno — C
• Lourdes Gurriel Jr. — LF
• Ildemaro Vargas — 2B
• Nolan Arenado — 3B
• Ryan Waldschmidt — CF
• Tim Tawa — 1B

Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup

• Shohei Ohtani — DH / SP
• Andy Pages — CF
• Freddie Freeman — 1B
• Mookie Betts — SS
• Tommy Edman — 3B
• Kyle Tucker — RF
• Teoscar Hernández — LF
• Miguel Rojas — 2B
• Dalton Rushing — C

Keys to Watch for the Diamondbacks

• Ketel Marte setting the table: As Arizona's leadoff man, Marte needs to find ways on base against Ohtani early. If he can work a walk or put together a quality at-bat in the first, it sets the tone for the whole lineup.
• Corbin Carroll's speed: Batting third, Carroll is one of the most dangerous players on this roster when he gets on base. Against a pitcher who has to be mindful of his mechanics while also hitting, Carroll's ability to create chaos on the bases matters.
• Nolan Arenado's presence: A veteran bat in the seven-hole, Arenado gives Arizona a legitimate threat even deep in the order. His experience against elite pitching is an asset in a game like this.
• Rodriguez limiting traffic: The Dodgers have punch up and down the lineup — Freeman, Betts, Tucker, and Hernández are all capable of doing damage. Rodriguez must strand runners and avoid the big inning.
• Bullpen depth: If Rodriguez faces early trouble, Arizona's relief corps will be tested in a loud environment on the road. Managing the middle innings cleanly is critical.

Prediction

This is a difficult road assignment. The Dodgers' lineup is deep, Ohtani on the mound is a genuine problem for most offenses, and Dodger Stadium at night is one of the hardest places to win in baseball. Rodriguez will need to be sharp from the first pitch.

That said, Arizona's lineup is not without weapons. Marte, Carroll, and Moreno can all hurt you, and Arenado batting seventh is a luxury. If Rodriguez can keep the score manageable through five or six innings and the D-backs can scratch together a couple of runs against Ohtani — no easy feat — this game stays competitive into the late innings. Expect a hard-fought, low-scoring affair. Dodgers win a close one, but Arizona makes them earn every out.