Dodgers sail along with MLB's best record; Mets could face another setback

The Los Angeles Dodgers strengthened their position at the top of MLB with another chance to keep winning in a series against the New York Mets after a victory in New York on Friday. The two-time defending World Series champions lead baseball with a 66-38 record, and have gone 5-7 since play resumed after the All-Star break, including a 4-2 win over the Mets in the opener. New York’s concerns include All-Star Juan Soto, who left Friday’s game early with left calf soreness and was scheduled for an MRI, with interim manager Andy Green saying Saturday’s lineup decision will depend on results. Soto’s absence would set up Yoshinobu Yamamoto (10-6, 2.78 ERA) against Mets rookie Nolan McLean (7-6, 3.34). The Mets also face the challenge of Kyle Tucker’s 4-2 series impact, including an eighth-inning, two-run home run.