Editorials

Dodgers News: Brandon McCarthy Removed From Start Early

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE (April 25, 8:45 p.m. PT): According to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, Brandon McCarthy was removed in the sixth inning of his start Saturday due to elbow tightness:

[divide]

Zack Greinke turned in seven scoreless innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday night, who ended their three-game losing streak with a win over the San Diego Padres in the series opener. Next up for the Dodgers was Brandon McCarthy on Saturday with Minor-League call-up Scott Baker slated to close out the series Sunday.

The Dodgers quickly jumped on Ian Kennedy, who was reinstated Saturday to make his second start of the season. Andre Ethier hit a two-run home run, and Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford added doubles in the first inning to give the Dodgers a 3-0 lead before McCarthy toed the rubber.

As has been the case through his previous three starts this season, McCarthy again fell victim to the long ball. Wil Myers led off the bottom of the first with a solo shot and Justin Upton tied the game with a two-run home run.

However, McCarthy then settled and retired 12 straight as the Dodgers continued to hit one home run after another. McCarthy’s roll was quickly stopped in the sixth inning as Yangervis Solarte and Matt Kemp hit back-to-back singles.

Upton connected for his second home run of the game, this time hitting a three-run shot to cut the Dodgers’ lead to 10-6. However, there was more damage done to the Dodgers than having their lead as McCarthy signaled to the dugout after throwing the pitch Upton deposited over the fence.

Manager Don Mattingly and a trainer made their way out to speak with McCarthy, who was quickly removed from the game. SportsNet LA’s television replay also showed him shaking his right hand/arm after throwing his final pitch, suggesting there was some level of discomfort.

Sergio Santos replaced McCarthy, who managed to record four strikeouts along with surrendering the three home runs.

A prognosis was not immediately available, but the Dodgers’ ballyhooed pitching depth may soon be put to test if McCarthy is to miss an extended period of time; the club is still awaiting Hyun-Jin Ryu’s return. Other injuries the Dodgers are contending with are Joel Peralta’s dead arm and Yasiel Puig’s left hamstring strain.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button