Editorials

Freeway Series Preview: Brandon McCarthy Makes Final Spring Start

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Following a tight 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Friday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers will play the visitors in the second of the three exhibition games against their crosstown rivals. Joc Pederson made a spectacular catch in center field, while Yasiel Puig exited the game early as a precaution after a collision with Howie Kendrick.

Starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy will take the mound for his final start of the spring before making his regular season debut against the San Diego Padres next week. Opposing McCarthy will be Andrew Heaney, who was acquired by the Dodgers from the Miami Marlins and then promptly traded to the Angels for Kendrick.



Heaney is a coveted prospect and after the Angels announced their projected starting rotation to begin the season, the young lefty will most likely be pitching at the Triple-A level. The young left-hander started a game against the Dodgers during the Cactus league in March and struggled. Handling Heaney will be former Dodgers catcher Drew Butera.

McCarthy hasn’t had the best spring, posting a 6.75 ERA in four games started, but did look very sharp in his most recent outing after making some adjustments.

Yasiel Puig is in the starting lineup despite the hit he sustained last night. There are some changes to the lineup as Scott Van Slyke is taking over for Carl Crawford, which is expected as Van Slyke hit very well against lefties last season. Yasmani Grandal will be the starting catcher, and Justin Turner will move into the designated hitter slot.

After tonight’s game, the series will move to Dodger Stadium on Saturday for the exhibition finale and the last tuneup before Opening Day on Monday.

Dodgers Lineup

SS: Jimmy Rollins

RF: Yasiel Puig

1B: Adrian Gonzalez

2B: Howie Kendrick

LF: Scott Van Slyke

C: Yasmani Grandal

3B: Juan Uribe

DH: Justin Turner

CF: Joc Pederson

P: Brandon McCarthy

Angels Lineup

RF: Kole Calhoun

CF: Mike Trout

1B: Albert Pujols

LF: Matt Joyce

3B: David Freese

SS: Erick Aybar

DH: C.J. Cron

C: Drew Butera

2B: Johnny Giavotella

P: Andrew Heaney

Dodgers 2015 Spring Training – Brandon McCarthy

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