Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
After last night’s rotation detour, the Dodgers return to their regularly scheduled programming tonight. Brett Anderson will make his second healthy start in a row. It’s amazing/troubling to think that each Anderson start could realistically represent 10% of what the Dodgers can expect from him in a season. He looked okay last time out, though the peripherals didn’t live up to what he has been capable of. Anderson also allowed a home run last week, the same amount that he allowed all of last year (while pitching for the Rockies).
Last night’s spot starter, David Huff, has been designated for assignment. It was pretty clear that he wasn’t going to stick around until the next time a fifth starter is needed. It’s possible that Huff will clear waivers (after all, the Dodgers got him on a minor league deal), so he could remain in the organization. If not, he’ll be a footnote. Just think about how funny it would be if he ends up with a World Series ring. His season review will probably be posted on Christmas.
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Mariners
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Dodgers
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7:10 p.m.
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Los Angeles, Ca.
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LF
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Weeks
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SS
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Rollins
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CF
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Jackson
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C
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Grandal
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2B
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Cano
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1B
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Gonzalez
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RF
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Cruz
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2B
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Kendrick
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3B
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Seager
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RF
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Ethier
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1B
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Morrison
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LF
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Van Slyke
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C
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Zunino
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3B
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Uribe
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SS
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Miller
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CF
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Pederson
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P
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Walker (R)
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P
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Anderson (L)
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Replacing Huff on the 25 man roster will be Carlos Frias, at least for tonight. According to Eric Stephen, Don Mattingly hinted that Frias’ recall could be short-term, since Juan Nicasio won’t be available. The Dodgers also claimed left-handed reliever Ryan Dennick from the Reds as a part of the Huff transaction and assigned him to AA Tulsa. Dennick has pitched 4-2/3 innings at the major league level, though he did post a respectable 2.36 ERA and 2.93 FIP in AAA Louisville last season. Still, that the Reds don’t want him, while they’re using Kevin Gregg as a regular reliever, probably says something about his skill level. The 40 man roster is now full, and Dennick will likely be the first one to go if space is needed.
There were also a few injury updates before tonight’s game. Yasiel Puig is again out of the lineup with a sore hamstring. Mattingly contradicted himself when describing Puig’s status: he’ll either be ready on Friday or could still go to the disabled list. Carl Crawford jammed his foot on an awkward play at second base last night, though he is available to pinch hit (it does seem a bit early in the year for his annual leg injury). Interestingly, Scott Van Slyke gets the start in left and Andre Ethier gets the start in right, while Alex Guerrero starts the game on the bench. I don’t necessarily disagree with the decision – three games shouldn’t rearrange your depth chart – though Mattingly has always struck me as the type to play the hot hand.
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Tonight is the annual Major League Baseball Civil Rights Game. From year-to-year, it varies from being a joke (like having it in Atlanta, with their mascot and chants) to a good reminder of where we came from and where we’re going. This year is the latter. Twitter friend Yakyu Night Owl points out why in this great piece. It’s short and worth your time.
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