Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
After the sweep of the Mariners and an off-day, the Rockies are in LA to start a three game series. Kyle Kendrick will take the ball for Colorado. Kendrick is a good example of innings-eating mediocrity, though his two starts this year have been interesting, at least. His first start, on opening day, was a gem. He went 7 innings, struck out six, walked none, and allowed no runs on seven hits. His second start was… worse. Kendrick allowed eight runs on eight hits, walking five and striking out three. Dodger batters are hoping for the second start. Also of note is that Kendrick is batting eighth for some reason.
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Rockies
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Dodgers
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7:10 p.m.
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Los Angeles, Ca.
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RF
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Blackmon
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SS
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Rollins
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SS
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Tulowitzki
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LF
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Crawford
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3B
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Arenado
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1B
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Gonzalez
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1B
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Rosario
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2B
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Kendrick
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C
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Hundley
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C
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Grandal
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LF
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Dickerson
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RF
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Ethier
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CF
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Stubbs
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3B
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Uribe
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P
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Kendrick (R)
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CF
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Pederson
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2B
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LeMaheiu
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P
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Kershaw (L)
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Not facing Kendrick will be Yasiel Puig, on the bench for the fourth straight game after tweaking his hamstring. New information on Puig’s condition has been sparse. Yet again, reports say he might be able to play or might go to the DL. Brandon Beachy‘s health brings better news. Beachy has been throwing bullpen sessions for a few weeks, and could be relatively close to a rehab assignment. Hopefully the Dodgers take their time with him. The temptation to bring Beachy back quickly with the shallow rotation has to be there, but he’d give a better return on the Dodgers’ investment if they are careful.
Also of note is that Yasmani Grandal is catching Clayton Kershaw during the regular season for the first time. Hopefully this won’t be a story again; Grandal should be catching Kershaw often, and A.J. Ellis‘ role will be reducing as the years go on. Just don’t blame Grandal if Kershaw struggles today.
Yesterday, Carlos Frias was optioned back to AAA. Taking his place is Adam Liberatore, who will be making his major league debut. Liberatore pitched two innings in Oklahoma City and hasn’t pitched since Monday, so he is fresh. He also gives the Dodgers a third left-handed reliever option. Liberatore will probably stick around until a fifth starter is needed again next weekend.
The Dodgers also made another transaction on the 40 man roster today. They claimed Daniel Corcino from the Reds, and designated Ryan Dennick (claimed from the Reds two days ago) for assignment. Dennick never seemed like he was of any consequence, but Corcino is at least interesting. Just two years ago, Corcino was number 94 on Baseball America’s top 100 prospects list. They named him as having the best fastball in the Reds’ system in 2011 and the best slider in their system in 2012. The knock on him seems to be that he is caught between being a starter and a reliever. The Dodgers do need starting depth, but with Corcino’s control issues and two otherwise plus pitches, he might be an interesting relief piece. He’ll start in AA, just like Dennick was supposed to.
Dodger Insider also points out that Ryan Dennick’s short stay on the 40 man roster is not unusual for the new front office and men named Ryan.
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