Dodgers Vs. Nationals Preview: Clayton Kershaw Returns To The Mound
The Los Angeles Dodgers have fallen victim to unfortunate weather far too many times during their nine-game road trip this past week. As a rain storm resulted in a doubleheader last week, showers also caused a three hour rain delay yesterday in which Greinke was only able to pitch three innings and the Dodgers were shut out. Although yesterday’s 4-0 loss was a tough one to swallow, the organization has their heads up today as their ace comes off the disabled list and takes the mound.
The only topic of conversation between any Dodgers fans today should be in regards to the return of the man, the myth, the NL Cy Young winner: Clayton Kershaw. One month and two rehab starts later, the 26-year-old’s strained back muscle appears to be strained no more. Pedro Baez, who made his major league debut last night, was sent back down to Double A in order to clear a roster spot for the ace.
Kershaw could not have returned at a better time as Hyun-Jin Ryu was placed on the disabled list just a few days ago. In the left-hander’s first and only start of the season on March 22 in Australia, he gave up just one run and five hits over 6.2 innings. As Kershaw makes his first start on American soil this season, the Dodgers are hoping that the ace will pick up right where he left off.
The Nationals have also had their fair share rotation turmoil as they made the last-minute decision to call up Blake Treinen from Triple-A Syracuse. The 25-year-old right-hander has made three appearances out of the bullpen for the Nats so far this season and will be making his first Major League start today against the two-time NL Cy Young winner. He has dealt 6.2 innings of work and has allowed 11 hits and one earned run. Washington is hoping that the young starter is prepared for the long haul in tonight’s game.
Adrian Gonzalez takes his second rest day of the season as outfielder Scott Van Slyke plays first base today with Matt Kemp batting cleanup. Carl Crawford, who is seeing greater production at the plate after going 3-for-4 yesterday, will be batting behind leadoff man Dee Gordon. Yasiel Puig takes his second consecutive day off after colliding with the wall in Sunday’s game, and Drew Butera resumes his role behind the plate batting in the eight spot.
Dodgers Lineup
2B: Dee Gordon
LF: Carl Crawford
SS: Hanley Ramirez
CF: Matt Kemp
RF: Andre Ethier
3B: Juan Uribe
1B: Scott Van Slyke
C: Drew Butera
P: Clayton Kershaw
Nationals Lineup
CF: Denard Span
3B: Anthony Rendon
RF: Jayson Werth
1B: Adam LaRoche
LF: Scott Hairston
SS: Ian Desmond
2B: Danny Espinosa
C: Jose Lobaton
P: Blake Treinen
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