Dodgers News: Will Greinke Start Wednesday And Is Mark Ellis Close?
In his pre-game post conference, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly was vague in his response about whether or not starter Zack Greinke would start on Wednesday against the Nationals.
Greinke made a rehab start last week and it was assumed that he would re-join the team in time for a start this week. However, the Dodgers are playing things very tight to the vest and according to Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com, Greinke is on track to pitch Wednesday:
Dodgers still undecided where Greinke starts Wednesday, Don Mattingly said.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) May 13, 2013
Either Greinke will make another rehab start or he will be recalled as the right hander has missed a month due to a broken collarbone. More news on the injury front, as it’s undetermined as to when second baseman Mark Ellis will be available to make a rehab stint.
Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register had an update on Ellis from pre-game warmups:
#Dodgers Mark Ellis (quad) running the curve of the infield on OF grass in his pregame workout today. Represents a step fwd, closer to rehab
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 13, 2013
Ellis has been sidelined with an injured quad, but the Dodgers waited several days before disabling him, thus delaying his return. Without Ellis in the lineup, Skip Schumaker and Nick Punto have been rotating at second base as the Dodgers try to get healthier.
After winning two of three from the Miami Marlins, fans wondered whether or not Mattingly would stick with closer Brandon League. League gave up two runs in the ninth inning Sunday with the Dodgers leading by two, but many want him to make the switch to eighth-inning reliever Kenley Jansen.
Gurnick got the scoop from Mattingly prior to the game:
Mattingly said Brandon League is still his closer “for now.”
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) May 13, 2013
The dreaded vote of confidence from Mattingly suggests he will be monitored in save situations as League hopes to keep his job.
Josh Beckett toes the rubber tonight as the Dodgers face the Washington Nationals and Bryce Harper at 7:10 pm at Dodger Stadium.