Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
With the Giants having lost this afternoon, the Dodgers go into tonight’s game with a 3-game lead on the hated ones. Unfortunately for LA, Jon Lester is on the mound for the Cubs. But hey, Mat Latos is back after a more than 2-week absence.
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Cubs
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Dodgers
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6:10 p.m.
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Los Angeles
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CF
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Fowler
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SS
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Rollins
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LF
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Schwarber
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CF
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Hernandez
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RF
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Coghlan
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1B
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Gonzalez
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1B
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Rizzo
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3B
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Turner
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3B
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Bryant
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RF
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Van Slyke
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C
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Montero
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LF
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Crawford
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SS
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Russell
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C
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Ellis
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Lester (L)
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2B
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Peraza
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2B
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LaStella
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P
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Latos (R)
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And, as should be a surprise to no one, the Dodgers are going with a mostly right-handed lineup. The two exceptions being Adrian Gonzalez (duh) and Carl Crawford. It’s nice to see Crawford getting some playing time — especially against a lefty. He only has 16 plate appearances against them this year, but he had 64 (still #sss) against them in 2014 and hit .321/.381/.500 against them. We know Andre Ethier isn’t going to get the call against a southpaw, so it’s Crawford by default.
Justin Turner is starting for the fifth consecutive day. It’s the first time this season that has happened and it’s a tad concerning. It’s well-known Turner isn’t a true everyday player (by his own admission). He needs a day or two off per week. With no viable backup third baseman at the moment, Turner is being pushed a bit. Sure, the Dodgers could put Enrique Hernandez at third base and start Joc Pederson to give Turner a day off, but that would mean starting a guy who was just benched, and we couldn’t possibly have that happen. In all seriousness, Turner does need a viable backup. Say what you want about Alberto Callaspo, but he provided more present value than Alex Guerrero — who is still on the team, contrary to popular belief. Also starting is Jose Peraza, fresh up from Triple-A. Speed!
And odd decision of the day goes to …
Don Mattingly said Pedro Baez is the long reliever now, which explains why he hasn't pitched since Aug. 19 in Oakland
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) August 29, 2015
I don’t get it. While the Dodgers will have a true long reliever up in a few days (Mike Bolsinger), I don’t understand Pedro Baez being the long reliever. When I think long reliever, I think a 3-plus inning guy. I’m highly skeptical Baez has the ability to go that long in a game. Problem is, there isn’t really any other option at the moment. I’m not sure forcing a guy into an unfamiliar role is the best thing. If things go poorly tonight for Latos, Baez could see his first action in 10 days. He probably won’t be rusty, right?
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Update: Vin Scully says 2016 will "realistically" be his final season. http://t.co/K3gnu4h6x1 pic.twitter.com/3yfnlpoo91
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) August 29, 2015
Better get to winning that World Series, fellas.
