August 2016 – Page 6 – Dodger Thoughts

Brett Anderson to make 2016 debut Sunday

On August 12, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pitching, Uncategorized

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Brett Anderson’s beard has gotten a lot longer since you last saw him in a big-league game. But his wait has gotten a lot shorter.

Two games from now, Anderson will make his first official start of 2016, taking the mound in the Dodgers’ series finale Sunday against the Pirates.

“I’m excited for Brett — it’s been a long road for him,” Dave Roberts said. “So to get him back, I think is obviously a good thing for us.

Sidelined by March back surgery, Anderson pitched a career-high 180 1/3 innings in 2015 with a 3.69 ERA. He made 18 quality starts last season and pitched at least five innings in 26 out of 31 games.

Anderson will follow Brandon McCarthy, who worked through some mechanical issues in two bullpen sessions this week and will make his scheduled start on Saturday.

“Just getting the natural feel back,” McCarthy said. “It felt very normal this week. … It wasn’t anything huge, but got to see what that leads to.

“A couple of things get off base and you feel screwy, and then it turns into you do’t believe you can execute something because your body’s not in position to allow you to execute it, so it just kinds of compounds upon itself. It feels like something’s been found now, so just making sure that’s it. It’s a very basic thing, but it’s something you can get away from quickly.”

Joe Blanton returns, Luis Avilan optioned

By Jon Weisman

On August 12, 2016

In Pregame, Transactions

Pirates at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Josh Reddick, RF
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Ross Stripling, P

By Jon Weisman

Right-hander Joe Blanton has been reinstated from bereavement leave to the active roster by the Dodgers, who have optioned left-hander Luis Avilan.

Blanton (2.64 ERA, 0.88 WHIP) leads the Dodgers with 54 games and 58 relief innings, but he has been away from the team since Monday.

Avilan has a 5.91 ERA and 1.41 WHIP after allowing three runs while facing four batters in the Dodgers’ 8-5 victory Sunday over Boston. He didn’t pitch in the recently completed Phillies series.

The Dodger bullpen now goes back to having two lefties in J.P. Howell and Grant Dayton. Julio Urías, who turned 20 today, is potentially a third lefty if he isn’t needed in the starting rotation this weekend. Adam Liberatore is eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday.

Stars (and stripes) for Kershaw at Ping Pong 4 Purpose

By Jon Weisman

On August 12, 2016

In Celebrities, Community

[mlbvideo id=”1041072283″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Thursday’s fourth annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose proved once again to be a happy and fun fundraiser for Kershaw’s Challenge. Here are some photo highlights on a night when Will Ferrell (wearing a Vic Davalillo jersey) was the emcee, Susan Sarandon was a special guest, Dennis Gilbert was the honoree, but Clayton Kershaw’s outfit was the star.

— Jon Weisman

You tweet the call: Who’s the most underrated Dodger?

By Jon Weisman

On August 12, 2016

In Uncategorized

Who's the most underrated Dodger this season? Subjective, I know. At ESPN, @dschoenfield said Maeda. I think I'd say Grandal.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) August 11, 2016

By Jon Weisman

Over at ESPN.com, David Schoenfield selected the most underrated player on all 30 MLB teams. For the Dodgers, he picked Kenta Maeda, which isn’t a bad choice, given that Maeda is 17th in wins above replacement among National League pitchers, which in my book makes him a high No. 2 starter.

“Underrated” and “overrated” are subjective concepts, based not only on your evaluation of the player’s performance but also of how he is perceived, so there’s no clear right or wrong answer. For example, Schoenfield went with Kenley Jansen for most overrated Dodger, which seems very weird to me — and even Schoenfield said “I feel bad about this one.”

Anyway, for most underrated Dodger, my instinct was to go with Yasmani Grandal, because my sense is that there’s barely been any awareness in the city of Los Angeles, let alone the rest of the country, of how good he has been.

Corey Seager is a Rookie of the Year favorite who has steadily become an MVP candidate — he leads the NL in WAR today — but the secret is definitely out on him. Justin Turner’s prowess has been a bit more stealthy, but I’d still say he gets exponentially more attention than Grandal.

Another good choice might be Joc Pederson, who got his sophomore slump out of the way during spring semester of his freshman year. Pederson has shown nearly across-the-board improvement in 2016, with a higher OPS and adjusted OPS, lower strikeout rate and better defensive rankings.

At the pace he’s going, Pederson would become the youngest Dodger center fielder with an OPS+ of at least 120 since Duke Snider in 1950. Something tells me that very few people, especially on a national scale, really appreciate how much he has contributed in 2016 and how promising he remains.

But as you can see above, I ultimately decided to leave it up to you. Here are some of your replies to my tweet: Who’s the most underrated Dodger this season?

Dodgers extend Rancho Cucamonga affiliation through 2018

By Jon Weisman

On August 12, 2016

In Minor leagues

By Jon Weisman

Following the two-year extension of their affiliations August 3 with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Double-A Tulsa and Single-A Great Lakes, the Dodgers announced Thursday they had done the same with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga through the 2018 season.

Kershaw, Kazmir, Maeda discuss youth pitching

By Jon Weisman

On August 11, 2016

In Pitching, Publications

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Pitching workloads are a big deal in the Major Leagues. They’re an even bigger deal in youth baseball, though there’s still no consensus among parents, coaches or anyone else about what’s right and what’s wrong.

In a recent issue of Dodger Insider magazine, writer Chris Gigley asked Dodger starters Clayton Kershaw, Scott Kazmir and Kenta Maeda for their thoughts. One of Kershaw’s big points was the value of diverse activities.

“I played football and basketball up until my freshman year in high school,” said Kershaw, whom the Dodgers drafted in 2006 out of Highland Park High School just outside Dallas. “I definitely think it’s important to play other sports when you’re young.”

Read the entire story by clicking here.

Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand plus one in October, 13 issues total. It is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who still wish to subscribe can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

Kings Night at Dodger Stadium arrives Friday

By Jon Weisman

On August 11, 2016

In Promotions

By Jon Weisman

Kings Night at Dodger Stadium is Friday, and if you buy your ticket through the Kings Night package at dodgers.com/kings, you’ll get this exclusive Kings/Dodgers scarf.

In addition, former Kings Derek Armstrong and Daryl Evans will sign autographs for fans from 5:10 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Right Field Plaza, where they will be joined by the Ice Crew and mascot Bailey.

The group will also be on the field for pregame ceremonies, with Kyle Clifford, Trevor Lewis, Brayden McNabb and Tyler Toffoli throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

Remaining ticket packages for the 2016 season include:

Healthcare Night on August 24 (7:10 p.m. vs. San Francisco)
Beatles Night on August 26 (7:10 p.m. vs. Chicago)
Jewish Community Night on August 28 (1:10 p.m. vs. Chicago)
Hello Kitty Night on September 2 (7:10 p.m. vs. San Diego)
Clippers Night on September 19 (7:10 p.m. vs. San Francisco)
Law Enforcement Appreciation Night on September 21 (7:10 p.m. vs. San Francisco)
Hispanic Heritage Night on September 24 (6:10 p.m. vs. Colorado).

For a complete list of theme nights and more information, visit dodgers.com/events.

Big hits betray Dodgers in loss to Phillies

By Jon Weisman

On August 10, 2016

In Postgame

[mlbvideo id=”1033861483″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

By Jon Weisman

Nothing reverses fortunes like baseball.

Vin Scully recalls learning about Pearl Harbor

By Jon Weisman

On August 10, 2016

In History

[mlbvideo id=”1033933883″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Dodger rotation is day to day, but aren’t we all

By Jon Weisman

On August 10, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pitching, Pregame

Phillies at Dodgers, 12:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Josh Reddick, RF
Corey Seager, SS
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Rob Segedin, 3B
Scott Kazmir, P

By Jon Weisman

Ross Stripling will start Friday for the Dodgers in their series opener against Pittsburgh, Dave Roberts said before today’s series finale against Philadelphia.

Rich Hill is being given more time to resolve his blister issues. Stripling, who threw five shutout innings Sunday against Boston, will be pitching on four days’ rest.

The Dodgers remain undecided for their weekend starters against the Pirates. Brandon McCarthy is the top choice for Saturday, but the Dodgers are holding off until after a scheduled Thursday bullpen session before making it official. If not, Julio Urías would be the most likely replacement (on four days’ rest).

Brett Anderson could make his first start of the season for the Dodgers as soon as Sunday, five days after his most recent rehab start. Otherwise, Kenta Maeda would be lined up to pitch the homestand finale on four days’ rest.

Good morning. Since the All-Star Break, the Dodgers lead MLB with an .800 OPS and 5.4 runs per game.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) August 10, 2016

In lineup news …

Blue-hot offense powers Dodgers into first-place tie

By Jon Weisman

On August 9, 2016

In Postgame

By Jon Weisman

In 2013, the Dodgers were 9 1/2 games out of first place in June, and came back and won the National League West.

In 2014, the Dodgers were 10 games out of first place in June, and came back and won the National League West.

In 2015, the Dodgers were … well, they were in first place already in June, so that’s good.

But in 2016, the Dodgers were eight games out of first place in June. Late June, in fact. With Clayton Kershaw going on the disabled list.

There are still 49 games remaining in the regular season, but if nothing else, the Dodgers have made their latest grand comeback.Pounding Phillies pitching phor the second night in a row, Los Angeles romped to a 9-3 victory that moved them into a first-place tie with San Francisco at 64-49.

While this is no 42-8 run to resemble 2013, the Dodgers are 23-13 (.639) since Kershaw last pitched, the best record in the NL. Their .515 winning percentage in games Kershaw hasn’t started this season (50-47) would put the Dodgers .007 behind St. Louis for a wild-card spot.

“I think that obviously when you look at the standings, that’s something to hang your hat on a little bit,” Dave Roberts said after the game. “But the bigger picture is the way we’re going about preparing every day. Like I always say, the wins are a byproduct of our preparation, so that’s what we’re trying to focus on.”

If the Dodger bullpen has gone from unsung hero of the 2016 team to focal point of praise, the Dodger offense is making its own in-your-face bid for recognition.

Wrist ailment puts Van Slyke on DL, Taylor recalled

By Jon Weisman

On August 9, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Phillies at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Josh Reddick, RF
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Kenta Maeda, P

By Jon Weisman

Scott Van Slyke is making a second trip to the disabled list this season, this time with right wrist irritation.

Chris Taylor, who had been optioned Sunday to make room for Rob Segedin’s promotion, is reversing field and returning to the active roster.

A lower back irritation previously put Van Slyke on the disabled list from April 12 to June 3. He has a .292 on-base percentage and .314 slugging percentage this year for the Dodgers.

ThinkCure! Weekend 2016 arrives Saturday-Sunday

By Jon Weisman

On August 9, 2016

In Community

ThinkCure! Weekend 2016 takes place this Saturday and Sunday, August 13-14, at Dodger Stadium, when the Dodgers host the Pirates. All support from ThinkCure! Weekend goes to City of Hope, a world leader in cancer and diabetes research and treatment.

When you’re Seager, the whole world smiles with you

By Jon Weisman

On August 8, 2016

In Postgame

By Jon Weisman

Each time he jogged around the bases tonight — and trust us, he wasn’t loafing — Corey Seager had a wide grin on his face.

And why not? Seager broke the Los Angeles Dodger record for homers by a shortstop in the first inning with his 20th, then added his 21st for good measure in the seventh, in the Dodgers’ 9-4 victory over Philadelphia.

With Joe Blanton on bereavement leave, Josh Ravin recalled

By Jon Weisman

On August 8, 2016

In Pregame, Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Phillies at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Josh Reddick, RF
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Rob Segedin, LF
Julio Urías, P

By Jon Weisman

Josh Ravin has been called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City by the Dodgers, taking the place of Joe Blanton, who has been placed on the bereavement list.

The 28-year-old Ravin began the season on the disabled list after breaking his left forearm in a Leap Day car accident. Before he was ready to be activated, MLB suspended him 80 games after a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance. He was reinstated from the restricted list August 3.

Dodger Thoughts

Jon Weisman's outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball and life

Month: August 2016 (Page 6 of 8)

Brett Anderson to make 2016 debut Sunday

Joe Blanton returns, Luis Avilan optioned

Stars (and stripes) for Kershaw at Ping Pong 4 Purpose

You tweet the call: Who’s the most underrated Dodger?

Dodgers extend Rancho Cucamonga affiliation through 2018

Kershaw, Kazmir, Maeda discuss youth pitching

Kings Night at Dodger Stadium arrives Friday

Big hits betray Dodgers in loss to Phillies

Vin Scully recalls learning about Pearl Harbor

Dodger rotation is day to day, but aren’t we all

Blue-hot offense powers Dodgers into first-place tie

Wrist ailment puts Van Slyke on DL, Taylor recalled

ThinkCure! Weekend 2016 arrives Saturday-Sunday

When you’re Seager, the whole world smiles with you

With Joe Blanton on bereavement leave, Josh Ravin recalled

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