Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
After last night’s frustrating loss to the Padres (hey, at least Andrew Cashner was the pitcher), the Dodgers look to bounce back behind Zack Greinke and his elbow that we all pray holds up for another two months.
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Dodgers
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Padres
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5:40 p.m. PT
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San Diego
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2B
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Gordon
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3B
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Solarte
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SS
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Ramirez
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CF
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Almonte
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1B
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Gonzalez
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LF
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Smith
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RF
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Kemp
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1B
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Grandal
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CF
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Puig
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2B
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Gyorko
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LF
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Crawford
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RF
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Venable
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3B
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Turner
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C
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Rivera
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C
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Butera
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SS
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Amarista
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P
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Greinke (R)
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P
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Kennedy (R)
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Greinke has been better this season than he was in his first season with the Dodgers, even if it doesn’t feel that way. While he’s been a little more hittable (8.6 H/9 compared to 7.7 last year) and given up more home runs (18 to 13), he’s striking out more hitters, walking fewer and has a better FIP (3.13 this season, 3.23 last season). All of this while nursing a tender elbow.
The Dodgers’ rotation has taken some big hits this season, as even the impenetrable Clayton Kershaw ended up on the disabled list (though, one wouldn’t be able to tell because of his sheer dominance). But with Hyun-Jin Ryu due back tomorrow and Dan Haren pitching relatively well of late, the rotation just might be OK come October. That is, if Greinke is OK. All signs point to the fact he is. I could see him having one of his best games of the season tonight. He has a 1.96 ERA in four career starts in Petco Park. That would help quell concern about his elbow. That would help give the bullpen a much-needed night off after everyone but Kenley Jansen was used on Friday night.
Hanley Ramirez, originally not in the lineup, was inserted by manager Don Mattingly after he tested his injured left quad in pregame warmups. Please be OK.
Yasiel Puig is back after not starting on Friday night. I still say his hip isn’t doing him any favors, but the 23-year-old is back in center field and hitting fifth for the Dodgers. Despite his slump, I still don’t see the logic in removing him from the No. 2 spot. It’s the perfect spot for him. Now, watch him go 4-for-4 with two home runs and six RBIs (which would be just fine).
The Dodgers are also expected to recall players from the minor leagues on Monday. Mike looked at some of the possibilities, including PCL MVP Joc Pederson and Alex Guerrero.
Chris Perez, who was somewhat impressive in Rancho Cucamonga last night, could be activated Monday. Juan Uribe could be back tomorrow, which would give the Dodgers a nice boost. Justin Turner has been awesome in his absence (again), so Uribe coming back makes the Dodgers’ bench that much stronger.
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