Dodgers @ Astros July 28, 2020 – Buehler makes season debut against the cheaters

Yes, we’ll never not be bitter.

The Dodgers return to the scene of one of the dumbest baseball games in recent memory. And of course, it’s even dumber now with everything we know.

After a disappointing season-opening series split with the Giants, the Dodgers get their first look at the 2020 Astros. Walker Buehler is making his season debut after a slight delay. He’ll be opposed by a human named Framber Valdez.

Dodgers	Astros
6:10 p.m.	Houston
RF Betts	CF Springer
1B Muncy	2B Altuve
3B Turner	3B Bregman
CF Bellinger	LF Brantley
DH Taylor	1B Gurriel
SS Seager	SS Correa
LF Pollock	RF Reddick
2B Hernandez	DH Tucker
C Smith	C Maldonado
P Buehler (R)	P Valdez (L)

There was a bit of Dodger news today, the most significant of which being Alex Wood. He was placed on the 10-day injured list with shoulder inflammation. Josh Sborz was recalled to take his roster spot.

Wood lasted just three innings against the Giants on Saturday. He allowed three runs, walked three and struck out four. With the truncated season and the modified Summer Camp, I’m betting this won’t be the last time a player (pitcher, specifically) suffers an injury like this.

What I’m confused about is apparently Wood’s shoulder has been bothering him for a couple weeks, yet he was allowed to begin the season? I’m #notadoctor, but that seems a bit suspect.

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Here’s some of the other bits of news from Dave Roberts‘ pregame presser.

Victor Gonzalez, Rocky Gale & McKinstry are with the #Dodgers in Houston on the taxi squad.

— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) July 28, 2020

This is the Dodgers’ first road trip of the season, and these three players will be at the ready should there be an injury.

Roberts said Tony Gonsolin, Mitchell White, Josiah Gray, Gonzalez are options to start.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) July 28, 2020

With Wood and Clayton Kershaw down (but maybe not for long), the starting pitching depth is being tested early. Tony Gonsolin would be my first choice, followed by Josiah Gray and then Mitch White.

Clayton Kershaw is "a possibility" to start on Friday, but he needs to pass a bullpen test today.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) July 28, 2020

If Kershaw does indeed come back, we probably won’t see any of those starting pitchers mentioned until there’s another injury. Let’s just hope Kershaw isn’t rushing back from the back injury he sustained a week ago.

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Levity.

Remember that balloon from Opening Day? You’re going to want to hear where it came from. pic.twitter.com/DNgMPu2TEG

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 28, 2020