Dodgers Vs. Twins Preview: Haren Starts In Game One Of Doubleheader
The Los Angeles Dodgers have an extremely long day ahead of them as they embark on today’s doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins after Tuesday’s game was postponed. Last night, the two teams faced off in chilling 44-degree weather as the Dodgers won 6-4 against the Twins with Zack Greinke throwing six strong innings. They face similar weather today as the Dodgers look to dominate in their final games in Minneapolis.
Today, Miguel Olivo makes his Dodgers debut in game one after Tim Federowicz was sent down to Triple-A. Don Mattingly stated that Federowicz, as a young player, tried to do too much in A.J. Ellis’ absence, and now Olivo has the opportunity to make an impression in the batting order that the former backup catcher could not.
On the mound for the Dodgers in game one of the doubleheader is veteran Dan Haren. The 33-year-old right-hander is coming off of a six inning, one earned run start against the Phillies last week, and on the season so far, Haren has been quite impressive. In five starts, he has maintained a 2.03 ERA making himself a valued asset to the Dodgers rotation especially in wake of Kershaw’s injury.
For the Twins, right-hander Mike Pelfrey takes the mound and has been nowhere near as effective as Haren. The 30-year-old is sporting a 7.32 ERA over just four starts and has an even more devastating 15.19 ERA against right-handers. Hanley Ramirez, who faced Pelfrey often in his time with the Marlins, is batting a lifetime .227 against the Twins starter.
On the other side, in Haren’s time with the Athletics and the Angels, he became familiar with Joe Mauer as an American League competitor. The Twins first baseman has faced Haren 26 times and is a career .385 against the right-hander with a home run.
Matt Kemp will assume the role as the designated hitter today as Andre Ethier takes over in center field, as Dee Gordon remains the leadoff man with Carl Crawford taking over the ninth spot. The odds may seem to be on the Twins side as they are 11-3 in split doubleheaders since 2012, but the Dodgers have also fared well not only in their most recent interleague games but also their games on the road this season.
Dodgers Lineup
2B: Dee Gordon
RF: Yasiel Puig
SS: Hanley Ramirez
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
DH: Matt Kemp
CF: Andre Ethier
3B: Juan Uribe
C: Miguel Olivo
LF: Carl Crawford
P: Dan Haren
Twins Lineup
2B: Brian Dozier
1B: Joe Mauer
3B: Trevor Plouffe
LF: Jason Kubel
DH: Josmil Pinto
C: Kurt Suzuki
RF: Sam Fuld
CF: Aaron Hicks
SS: Eduardo Escobar
P: Mike Pelfrey
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