Pregame – Page 3 – Dodger Thoughts

Dodgers have baker’s dozen in bullpen — and counting

On September 5, 2016

[mlbvideo id=”1126762083″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 5:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Joc Pederson, CF
Kenta Maeda, P

By Jon Weisman

Luis Avilan has been recalled for the third consecutive month by the Dodgers, boosting the current relief corps to 13.

Behind this week’s scheduled starting rotation of Kenta Maeda, Ross Stripling, Brock Stewart against Arizona and Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill and Maeda at Miami, the Dodgers have the following in the bullpen:

Right-handed pitchers (9): Pedro Baez (expected to be recalled Tuesday), Joe Blanton, Jesse Chavez, Louis Coleman, Josh Fields, Casey Fien, Kenley Jansen, Bud Norris, Josh Ravin

Left-handed pitchers (5): Luis Avilan, Grant Dayton, J.P. Howell, Adam Liberatore, Julio Urias.

Having neared his workload limit, Urias has been shifted to the bullpen, though the Dodgers haven’t definitely said he won’t make another start. Jose De Leon, who made his debut Sunday, doesn’t have an obvious next date to take the mound.

Following a bullpen session today, Alex Wood is scheduled for a short simulated game soon. Out since May, Wood is expected to return in a short relief role later this month.

Clayton Kershaw to start for Dodgers on Friday

By Jon Weisman

On September 4, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Padres at Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Kiké Hernandez, CF
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Chase Utley, 2B
Austin Barnes, C
Charlie Culberson, SS
Jose De Leon, P

By Jon Weisman

The Dodgers’ official roster move today was to make Jose De Leon their 31st player on the active roster and their first to take the mound today against San Diego.

But they also signaled a bigger roster move to come later this week. According to Dave Roberts, Los Angeles plan to send National League Cy Young Award candidate Clayton Kershaw to the mound Friday at Miami for the start of the Dodgers’ 10-game road trip.

If he resumes his big-league campaign Friday and works regularly on four days’ rest, Kershaw would theoretically have five regular-season starts remaining: September 9 (at Marlins), September 14 (at New York Yankees), September 19 (vs. Giants), September 24 (vs. Rockies) and either September 29 (at Padres) or September 30 (on five days’ rest at Giants).

Obviously, that’s just on paper — there’s a lot of road between now and the end of the month.

Dodgers turn to Bud Norris in Colorado finale

By Jon Weisman

On August 31, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers at Rockies, 5:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Andrew Toles, LF
Bud Norris, P

By Jon Weisman

Bud Norris has officially replaced Rich Hill as the starting pitcher for the Dodgers’ second game at Colorado tonight.

Norris, who allowed two runs in five innings in his last start August 26 against the Cubs, will be pitching on four days’ rest. Dave Roberts told reporters he was viewing this series finale as a bullpen game (the last before Thursday’s off day and ensuing roster expansion).

The hope for Hill is that he slots in this weekend when the Dodgers host San Diego. Julio Urías is currently scheduled to take the mound Friday, but the next two starters haven’t been announced.

Seager starts at short, but Hill might be delayed

By Jon Weisman

On August 31, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame

Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers at Rockies, 12:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Rob Segedin, RF
Kiké Hernandez, CF
Carlos Ruiz, C
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Ross Stripling, P

By Jon Weisman

With a rainy day off Tuesday after his scary hit-by-pitch Monday, Corey Seager is back in action and expected to play in both ends of today’s impromptu doubleheader, along with Adrián González and Justin Turner.

The bigger immediate concern for the Dodgers is Rich Hill, who threw about 40 pitches warming up for Tuesday’s non-game. Roberts said Hill is “adamant” about pitching in tonight’s second game, but the coaching and medical staff might call for him to be scratched because of his past blister problems. Bud Norris would likely succeed Hill in that case.

Though playing a doubleheader at toxic-to-pitching Coors Field sounds poisonous on its face, the consolation is that in addition to resting Tuesday, the Dodger bullpen has an off day Thursday.

In addition, per MLB rules for sudden doubleheaders, they’ll have a 26th man on the roster. Luis Avilan is with the club in Colorado and prepared to take that spot.

So basically, today’s lunchtime game is the last the Dodgers will play with only 25 guys. The active roster limit expands to 40 beginning Thursday, and Roberts said the Dodgers will immediately take advantage by adding at least Avilan, Louis Coleman and Josh Ravin, along with catcher-infielder Austin Barnes. Others, including Yasiel Puig, remain under discussion.

Dodgers recall Casey Fien, option Pedro Baez

By Jon Weisman

On August 30, 2016

In Pregame, Transactions

Dodgers at Rockies, 5:40 p.m.
Kiké Hernandez, LF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Justin Turner, 3B
Rob Segedin, 1B
Carlos Ruiz, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Charlie Culberson, SS
Andrew Toles, CF
Rich Hill, P

By Jon Weisman

Casey Fien has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City by the Dodgers, who have optioned Pedro Baez to Double-A Tulsa.

Baez has been on the Dodger active roster all season — he’s seventh on the team in innings pitched and second behind Joe Blanton among relievers.

He had a superb July, pitching 14 2/3 shutout innings with 14 strikeouts, though he allowed three inherited runs to score July 30. However, though he has maintained his strikeout rate in August, Baez has allowed 23 baserunners in 12 innings with a 7.50 ERA this month.

Fien has a 3.80 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 23 2/3 innings as a Dodger, including 1 2/3 shutout innings this month. The Dodgers expect to add at least one other right-hander later this week with the anticipated return of Louis Coleman from the disabled list.

In case you missed it: Giants take day off in race

By Jon Weisman

On August 29, 2016

In In case you missed it, Pregame

Corey Seager reacts to being safe at second on the game-winning play in the eighth inning Sunday.

Dodgers at Rockies, 5:40 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Rob Segedin, 3B
Kenta Maeda, P

By Jon Weisman

A few quick notes before the Dodgers begin their second Colorado-or-bust, three-game road trip.

The Dodgers will play three games in 48 hours (weather permitting) between tonight and Wednesday afternoon, then fly home.

San Francisco is off tonight, so there will be a half-game added or subtracted from the Dodgers’ two-game lead in the National League West this evening. The Dodgers will gain back the off day on the Giants on Thursday.

After two games at home Tuesday and Wednesday vs. Arizona, San Francisco travels to Wrigley Field to play four games with the Cubs.

Meanwhile …

How much will Dodgers fatten roster in September?

By Jon Weisman

On August 28, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Cubs at Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Kiké Hernandez, CF
Rob Segedin, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Brock Stewart, P

By Jon Weisman

September 1, the date that active rosters can expand to as many as 40 players, has been in the Dodgers’ sightlines for some time — the seemingly perfect quirk in the schedule to serve a team that has depth in its pitching staff but not length.

Today, Dave Roberts told reporters that the Dodgers plan to activate Louis Coleman from the disabled list before Friday’s game (Thursday is actually an off day for Los Angeles, except for the Dodgers All-Access event) and also bring back reliever Casey Fien from the minors.

That would give the Dodgers a minimum of 14 pitchers, pending more possible additions as the month progresses. A recall of Luis Avilan and Josh Fields, who pitched recently for the Dodgers, would give them 16 arms. Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy and Josh Ravin are on the 15-day disabled list, and so with the flick of paperwork, the pitching staff could number as many as 20.

Hopes remain for the return from the 60-day disabled list of Clayton Kershaw to the starting rotation and Alex Wood to the bullpen, and then you possibly have 22 pitchers. (That seems like a lot.) In those cases, however, someone currently on the 40-man roster would have to be displaced.

That’s why, despite his strong finish at Triple-A Oklahoma City and highly regarded prospect status, Jose De Leon — who is not on the 40-man roster yet — might not see action for Los Angeles this year. It hasn’t been ruled out, but it’s predicated on the status of the aforementioned score of pitchers.

In case you missed it: Vinnys Vinnys everywhere

By Jon Weisman

On August 27, 2016

In In case you missed it, Pregame, Promotions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Cubs at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Andrew Toles, LF
Julio Urías , P

By Jon Weisman

As part of Team Photo Day on Friday, the Dodgers indulged in a fantasy — that everyone in the world could be as wonderful as Vin Scully.

Of course, there really can only be one Vin Scully, as a close examination of the above image will reveal. (Click to enlarge.)

Here are some other recent items of note …

Carlos Ruiz to start tonight, Brock Stewart recalled

By Jon Weisman

On August 26, 2016

In Pregame, Transactions

[mlbvideo id=”1096464783″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Giants at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Kiké Hernandez, CF
Carlos Ruiz, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Chase Utley, 2B
Bud Norris, P

By Jon Weisman

As expected, Carlos Ruiz is in the starting lineup for his Dodger debut tonight, with Shawn Zarraga being optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Zarraga, as you can see in the video above, did enjoy the thrill of being an official Major Leaguer, however briefly. He arrived Thursday via private jet, as Michael Clair notes at MLB.com’s Cut4.

As the newest big leaguer told MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick, “It was a 12-seater and it was just me and the pilot, but I got to sit next to him and that was cool.”

In addition, the Dodgers have recalled Brock Stewart from Triple-A. Stewart, who was optioned August 15 to make room for the activation of Casey Fien, threw five innings of shutout ball August 19 for Oklahoma City.

So, how are the Dodgers making room for Stewart on the roster this weekend? They have optioned Kenta Maeda — yes, that’s right — to the Rookie-level AZL Dodgers, whose season concludes on Sunday. That means he can be recalled immediately after that day, without a 10-day waiting period.

As Dave Roberts said today, the plan is that Julio Urías will start for the Dodgers on Saturday and Maeda will take the mound Monday in Colorado, leaving Sunday as TBD.

Shawn Zarraga to back up at catcher tonight, while Scott Van Slyke is moved to 60-day DL

By Jon Weisman

On August 25, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Giants at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Kiké Hernandez, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Rob Segedin, RF
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Ross Stripling, P

By Jon Weisman

With Carlos Ruiz not arriving from the Phillies until Friday, Shawn Zarraga will come from Triple-A Oklahoma City tonight to serve as the Dodgers’ backup catcher.

Scott Van Slyke, who went on the 15-day disabled list August 9, has been moved to the 60-day DL to make room for Zarraga on the 40-man roster, which means Van Slyke will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.

Relief pitcher Luis Avilan has been optioned to Oklahoma City to make room on the 25-man roster for Zarraga.

In addition, Rob Segedin has been reinstated from the paternity list after missing Wednesday’s game, and will start tonight in right field.

The 27-year-old Zarraga would be making his Major League debut if he gets in the game tonight. He has a .348 on-base percentage this year in a season split between Oklahoma City and Double-A Tulsa. Los Angeles acquired him in December 2014.

Oklahoma City’s Austin Barnes, normally next in line for the Dodgers at catcher, has been sidelined since Tuesday after getting hit by a pitch in the hand.

Also: With an eye toward a September return, Andre Ethier begins his rehab assignment tonight with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Rich Hill activated, Rob Segedin on paternity leave

By Jon Weisman

On August 24, 2016

In Pregame, Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

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

By Jon Weisman

The moment has arrived for Rich Hill, who has officially been activated from the disabled list to start tonight for the first time as a Dodger.

Mike Petriello of MLB.com has a good piece today outlining Hill’s virtues and why the Dodgers sought him out, even though they knew his debut would be delayed.

Rob Segedin’s placement on the paternity list created the roster opening for Hill’s activation. MLB paternity leave lasts from one to three games.

Hill’s only career appearance at Dodger Stadium came on May 27, 2007, when he threw six shutout innings for the Cubs, who lost in 11 innings, 2-1 (on Juan Pierre’s bases-loaded hit-by-pitch).

Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir placed on DL

By Jon Weisman

On August 23, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers

Giants at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Kiké Hernandez, 2B
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Rob Segedin, RF
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Kenta Maeda, P
Note: Clayton Kershaw had a 41-pitch bullpen session today. Read more at MLB.com.

By Jon Weisman

Starting pitchers Brett Anderson (blister, left index finger) and Scott Kazmir have both been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Dodgers, who in a trio of transactions have also optioned reliever Josh Fields to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Anderson is returning to the disabled list after having been activated August 14, while Kazmir becomes the Dodgers’ National League record 27th player on the DL this year.

Taking their place on the active roster will be right-hander Ross Stripling, lefty reliever Luis Avilan and infielder Charlie Culberson, who is starting at second base tonight.

No, you shouldn’t give up on Josh Reddick

By Jon Weisman

On August 22, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Dodgers at Reds, 9:35 a.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Andrew Toles, RF
Rob Segedin, 3B
Scott Kazmir, P

By Jon Weisman

Josh Reddick was a late scratch from today’s early game at Cincinnati, and the reason instantly came across like a taunt to his detractors — a jammed right middle finger.

Reddick is available off the bench, according to Dave Roberts, though it could be until at least Wednesday when he starts next, considering that lefty ace Madison Bumgarner is starting Tuesday for the Giants at Dodger Stadium.

But in the meantime, it’s another setback in what has been anything but a storybook chapter in Los Angeles for Reddick. Three weeks into his Dodger career, Reddick has one extra-base hit and a .211 on-base percentage. Combined with the absence of fellow former Oaklander Rich Hill from the starting rotation, judgment has rained down on the trade that sent Grant Holmes, Jharel Cotton and Frankie Montas to the A’s for the pair.

It’s reasonable to expect more immediate impact from a trade specifically designed to boost the Dodgers’ pennant chances, particularly when the two players are free agents at the end of the year, than the Dodgers have gotten. But consider these counterpoints:

Andrew Toles recalled, Chris Taylor optioned

By Jon Weisman

On August 21, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Dodgers at Reds, 10:10 a.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Andrew Toles, LF
Julio Urías, P

By Jon Weisman

The Dodgers shifted one of their bench spots from right to left, calling up left-handed outfielder Andrew Toles from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioning right-handed infielder Chris Taylor.

Toles, who will allow Howie Kendrick a rest today in left field, has a .395 on-base percentage and the same slugging percentage in 43 plate appearances for the Dodgers this year. Since he was most recently optioned August 3, he was producing at a .348/.565 rate in Triple-A.

Taylor has a .271 OBP and .382 slugging in 59 plate appearances for the Dodgers this year, including the July 15 game when he doubled, tripled and hit a grand slam. He went 0 for 3 Saturday in his first start since July 31,

The Dodgers didn’t make any moves on the pitching side today. despite back-to-back 3 2/3-inning starts from Bud Norris and Brett Anderson to start the series in Cincinnati. At right, the chart shows the recent pitch counts of Dodger relievers.

Kenley Jansen had the rare event of appearing in a game without throwing a pitch. He was officially entered into Saturday’s seventh inning when the rain delay arrived, but replaced by Joe Blanton when play resumed.

Dave Roberts gave a quick update on Andre Ethier, telling reporters that Ethier is hitting off live pitching while on rehab in Arizona and taking balls off the bat in the outfield. Roberts still didn’t have a date for the start of an official rehab assignment, saying that Ethier’s running is at about 75 percent.

Clayton Kershaw dropping out of ERA lead, but comeback continues

By Jon Weisman

On August 20, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pitching, Pregame

Clayton Kershaw on July 5. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Dodgers at Reds, 4:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Kiké Hernández, 2B
Adrián González, 1B
Justin Turner, 3B
Rob Segedin, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
A.J. Ellis, C
Chris Taylor, SS
Brett Anderson, P

By Jon Weisman

Today, the Dodgers play their 122nd game of the season. Clayton Kershaw remains stuck on 121 innings.

That means, for the first time since the season began — and hopefully only for the time being — Kershaw will no longer qualify for the MLB lead in such stats in ERA (1.79) and strikeout/walk ratio (16.1, a big-league record pace).

The chances of Kershaw compiling 41 more innings before the season ends October 2, in order to re-qualify, have dimmed. However, the hope that he does return to contribute sometime in September continues to grow, thanks to what looks to have been a successful bullpen session today in Cincinnati.

Kershaw's bullpen has ended. He appeared to be laughing walking off the field, and, most importantly, wasn't holding his back in agony.

— Cody Pace (@CodyPace) August 20, 2016

Dodger Thoughts

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

Category: Pregame (Page 3 of 32)

Dodgers have baker’s dozen in bullpen — and counting

Clayton Kershaw to start for Dodgers on Friday

Dodgers turn to Bud Norris in Colorado finale

Seager starts at short, but Hill might be delayed

Dodgers recall Casey Fien, option Pedro Baez

In case you missed it: Giants take day off in race

How much will Dodgers fatten roster in September?

In case you missed it: Vinnys Vinnys everywhere

Carlos Ruiz to start tonight, Brock Stewart recalled

Shawn Zarraga to back up at catcher tonight, while Scott Van Slyke is moved to 60-day DL

Rich Hill activated, Rob Segedin on paternity leave

Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir placed on DL

No, you shouldn’t give up on Josh Reddick

Andrew Toles recalled, Chris Taylor optioned

Clayton Kershaw dropping out of ERA lead, but comeback continues

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