For more photos from today, visit LA Photog Blog.
By Jon Weisman
Starting off, our best wishes go to Dodger assistant pitching coach Ken Howell, who is missing Spring Training because of ongoing health issues, as Ken Gurnick of MLB.com writes. Howell did text Gurnick that he is “doing much better.”
Here’s a quick look at today’s notes …
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By Jon Weisman
Earlier this evening, the Dodgers traded right-handed pitcher Matt Magill to Cincinnati for outfielder Chris Heisey.
As Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A. notes, the nearly 30-year-old Heisey brings an above-average glove to Los Angeles, a little bit of power and two minor-league options. Magill, who talked about his ups and downs in November, had a 5.21 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 84 2/3 innings with Triple-A Albuquerque this year while allowing 80 hits and 59 walks.
Magill’s best game with the Dodgers was his first, on April 27, 2013, when he held Milwaukee to two runs over 6 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts.
By Jon Weisman
Why yes, I have noticed that a certain Even Steven approach to the Dodger exhibition season. Cyndi Lauper is putting out her new single, “Tie After Tie,” as we speak.
Today’s 8-8 deadlock with Oakland widened the Dodgers’ Cactus League record to 4-6-4 and gave them ties in nearly 30 percent of their contests. In their past 10 games, the Dodgers are 2-4-4. Their past six games have been as easy as 1-2-3.
Last year, Los Angeles played 15 extra-inning games out of 162 in the regular season.
The Dodgers allowed a game-tying five runs in the eighth inning today, but it could have been worse. Brian Wilson, still mixing the occasional knuckleball, had a visit to the mound from an assistant trainer in the eighth inning (no, I’m not making a connection there), but the team reported no trouble to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
Wilson was charged with two runs, while Carlos Frias, who retired none of his four batters, was charged with three.
Los Angeles looked great at the outset, with Andre Ethier lovingly smashing a three-run home run in the first inning, Juan Uribe following with a solo shot, and Hyun-Jin Ryu scattering a run and four baserunners over five innings, striking out four.
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Miguel Olivo added a three-run double (not to mention a stolen base) in helping boost the Dodgers’ lead to 8-3. In addition, J.P. Howell and Dee Gordon each turned in fine defensive plays.
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Following the game today, the Dodgers optioned pitcher Matt Magill and reassigned Frias, J.C. Boscan, Brendan Harris and Clint Robinson to minor-league camp. Harris is the second of the pre-Spring Training infield candidates to miss the cut, following Justin Sellers, who was sent to Cleveland.
Magill has had a nice exhibition season, with six strikeouts against five baserunners in 5 2/3 innings.
And, a postscript: I know the story here is Zack Greinke and Matt Kemp progressing in their rehab, but what really tantalized me was the thought of seeing Kemp bat against Julio Urias. The 17-year-old gave up a sacrifice fly to Kemp in the intrasquad game, but also struck him out.
In short, call it Even Steven.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prvm5ZFPIrE&w=550&h=413]
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By Jon Weisman
There was a pitch in Thursday’s 4-4 Dodger tie with the Angels that was heading scarily toward the same spot on Hanley Ramirez’s body that turned the 2013 National League Championship Series on its rib.
The good news is that the pitch hit Ramirez’s triceps and that, as predicted by Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, he is playing today.
The bad news is that ballplayers and dreams are still too fragile.
In other news …
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With special guest star Vin Scully …
What happens when three old friends in crisis fall into an unexpected love triangle? In The Catch, Maya, Henry and Daniel embark upon an emotional journey that forces them to confront unresolved pain, present-day traumas and powerful desires, leading them to question the very meaning of love and fulfillment. The Catch tells a tale of ordinary people seeking the extraordinary – or, if that’s asking too much, some damn peace of mind.
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