Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
For a game so early in the season, there’s a decent amount riding on today’s match against the Rockies. If the Dodgers lose today, it’ll be their fourth straight loss. It will be their third dropped series of the season (out of five), and their first time being swept (albeit in just two games). They would fall to two games below .500.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw is on the mound. Surprisingly enough, sending out the best pitcher in baseball is generally a good strategy for stopping a losing streak.
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Rockies
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Dodgers
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7:10 p.m.
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Los Angeles
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CF
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Blackmon |
3B
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Hernández | |
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2B
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LeMahieu |
SS
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Seager | |
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3B
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Arenado |
RF
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Puig | |
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RF
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González |
1B
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González | |
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1B
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Reynolds |
C
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Grandal | |
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LF
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Parra |
LF
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Van Slyke | |
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SS
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Story | CF | Eibner | |
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C
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Garneau |
2B
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Taylor | |
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P
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Anderson (L)
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P
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Kershaw (L)
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Today’s Rockies starter, Tyler Anderson, is indeed a lefty, but he’s a lefty who hasn’t gotten off to a great start this season. He’s already faced the Dodgers once, and he allowed five runs on five hits and four walks (though we should include the obligatory Coors Field disclaimer). In three games, Anderson has an ERA of 8.59, a FIP of 6.04, and a WHIP of 1.636.
Regardless of results, perhaps this game should be considered a victory if everyone’s toes remain in tact. Logan Forsythe is headed to the disabled list with a toe fracture after taking a Kyle Freeland fastball to the foot last night. Rob Segedin has also been placed on the DL as he deals with a right toe strain, apparently sustained during a checked swing on Monday.
With Forsythe out, the just-recalled Chris Taylor will start at second base. Taylor, who was traded to the Dodgers last season for Zach Lee, batted .207/.258/.362/.620 in 62 plate appearances. In ten games at Triple-A Oklahoma City this year, Taylor has batted .233/.327/.442/.768 with one home run.
Joc Pederson is once against sitting versus a lefty, and the other new arrival, Brett Eibner, will make his Dodger debut with a start in center field. The 28-year-old outfielder has just one year’s worth of MLB experience. He split last season between the Royals and the A’s, and overall batted .193/.266/.353/.619 with six home runs in 208 plate appearances. Eibner had a good Spring Training for the Dodgers, though, and he’s off to a hot start in OKC, batting .344/.389/.656/1.045 with three home runs in twelve games.
Also, Enrique Hernández is leading off and playing third base (Justin Turner is out after a HBP yesterday left him with a sore hand), and Scott Van Slyke is getting yet another start in left field. Just. Yikes.
Guard your hands and feet, boys.
