Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
One would think with Yasiel Puig returning from the disabled list, the Dodgers’ lineup would get more stronger and formidable. Then Don Mattingly rolls out this spring training gem. At least Joc Pederson is playing.
|
Cardinals
|
Dodgers
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7:10 p.m.
|
Los Angeles
|
|||
|
CF
|
Bourjos
|
CF
|
Pederson
|
|
|
3B
|
Carpenter
|
LF
|
Heisey
|
|
|
LF
|
Holliday
|
RF
|
Puig
|
|
|
SS
|
Peralta
|
1B
|
Turner
|
|
|
CF
|
Grichuk
|
2B
|
Hernandez
|
|
|
1B
|
Reynolds
|
SS
|
Rollins
|
|
|
C
|
Molina
|
3B
|
Callaspo
|
|
| SS |
Kozma
|
C
|
Ellis
|
|
|
P
|
Garcia (L)
|
P
|
Kershaw (L)
|
Not only is Adrian Gonzalez out, but so is Yasmani Grandal. I get it, Gonzalez needs some days off. Fine. Grandal has caught four games in a row, but he is clearly the best option behind the plate, even if Clayton Kershaw is pitching. OK, I’m over it, I guess.
But my God, that 6-8 is atrocious. Jimmy Rollins — while he’s been better of late — well, at least he isn’t hitting second. Alberto Callaspo was allegedly brought in for his versatility, but he has only played third base since joining the team. Meanwhile in Atlanta …
Just saw this. Juan Uribe is playing 2B today for Braves https://t.co/6cvzHdmkc7
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) June 6, 2015
Ducky. Because Juan Uribe couldn’t have done that. And why no Alex Guerrero? Unless he’s banged up, this is pretty inexcusable. Please hurry, Hector Olivera.
OK, let’s get back to Puig. The Dodgers were 21-18 while he was out, and Andre Ethier filled in remarkably well in his stead: .285/.362/.504, 6 home runs, five doubles, 15 walks. He’ll slide over to left field (mostly against righties) for the foreseeable future. Having Puig’s ability is something that has been missed in his absence. While the offense played well for a few weeks without him, it has sputtered in the last few weeks. Also, the threat of his arm in right field has been noticeable.
Oh, and Kershaw pitches tonight. Here’s hoping the Dodgers can get to Cardinals’ starter Jaime Garcia early and often. I’m not that confident they will, but having said that, they’ll score 12 runs.
[table id=5 /]