Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
The Dodgers (68-31) continue their homestand on Monday night when the Twins (48-46) come into town for a three-game interleague series. Despite a walk-off win in the tenth inning Sunday afternoon, the Dodgers will have to forge on without their ace Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw exited the series finale against the Braves after two innings with back tightness and was subsequently placed on the 10-day disabled list. Although this turn of events isn’t ideal, the Dodgers persevered without Kershaw for two and a half months last season. With potential trades looming (come on down Yu Darvish), this talented and deep team should be able to carry on while Kershaw is out for four to six weeks with a lower back strain.
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Twins
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Dodgers
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7:10 PM PT
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Los Angeles
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2B
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Dozier |
LF
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Taylor | |
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1B
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Mauer |
SS
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Seager | |
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3B
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Sano |
3B
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Turner | |
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SS
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Escobar |
CB
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Bellinger | |
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LF
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Rosario |
2B
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Forsythe | |
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RF
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Grossman |
C
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Grandal | |
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C
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Castro | CF | Pederson | |
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CF
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Granite |
RF
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Puig | |
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P
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Colon (R) |
P
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Ryu (L) |
Hyun-Jin Ryu (3-6, 4.21 ERA, 5.01) was activated from the 10-day disabled list on Monday after missing three weeks with a bruised left foot. He threw two simulated games, and looks to pick up where he left off before being injured. In his last start against the Angels on June 28, Ryu struck out eight across five and 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits in the loss to the Halos.
The 44-year old Bartolo Colon (2-9, 8.19 ERA, 4.88 FIP), now in his 20th MLB season and on his 10th team, makes his second start for Minnesota since being released by the Braves on the 4th of July. Colon considered retirement, but the inspiration for many memes continues to defy logic by utilizing his veteran skills to endure.
The Big Sexy still has something left in the tank. Just take a look at him striking out none other than Aaron Judge in his debut with the Twins last time out.
Bartolo Colon, filthy 86mph Two Seamer to K Aaron Judge looking. #Dismissed #HeDidntObject [h/t @clather16 ] pic.twitter.com/uoF3CpGJF4
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 19, 2017
Overall against the Dodgers, Colon is 2-6 with a 5.27 ERA in nine career starts and is 2-2 with a 6.08 ERA in four starts at Dodger Stadium. Fellow veteran Chase Utley has 11 hits including two doubles and a home run against the charismatic right-hander in 23 at-bats (.478 BA).
This likely is the final time we’ll see Colon at Dodger Stadium, so let’s enjoy every at-bat.
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The Dodgers made several roster moves on Monday including the activation of Ryu along with the addition of two relievers, Josh Ravin and Edward Paredes. Ravin was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City, and the contract of Paredes was selected. Paredes, a left-hander, has a 2.23 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings between Double-A Tulsa and OKC this year. Brandon McCarthy (blister) and Kershaw (back) head to the DL. Finally, Trayce Thompson was optioned to AAA.
Wise sage Kenley Jansen gave his opinion on the possibility of the Dodgers trading for Darvish.
Kenley Jansen goes Rick Ross: “Everyone wants luxury in their life. Everyone wants to drive a Ferrari. If you can get Yu Darvish, why not?”
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) July 24, 2017
