Dodgers Team News

Spring Training Game 8 Preview: Dee Gordon Starts In Center Field

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are now 2-4-1 heading into their eighth consecutive Spring Training game thus far. The Seattle Mariners dished them their most recent loss yesterday afternoon despite an exciting Brian Wilson knuckleball and a Travyon Robinson home run. The team looks to recover from yesterday’s loss with a win tonight against the Cincinnati Reds.

Yesterday, the Dodgers cut 10 players from their spring training roster. The most notable player optioned includes Stephen Fife. During the off-season, some thought that Fife may having a fighting chance at the rotation’s fifth spot. With Josh Beckett proving he’s healthy and the signing of starting pitcher Paul Maholm, Fife didn’t have a spot. The Dodgers also added another pitcher to their minor league system yesterday with the addition of right-handed starter Ryan Sadowski. With all of the players who were recently cut from camp, the former San Francisco Giants starter provides organizational depth.



Carl Crawford was back in the lineup yesterday after experiencing quad tightness since the Dodgers spring opener last Wednesday. This is good news for the Dodgers outfield going forward with Matt Kemp’s return still a question mark although he’s making good progress in rehabbing his ankle injury.

With Dee Gordon and Chone Figgins splitting time at second base yesterday, Guerrero will get the start today. Despite rumors of Guerrero starting the regular season in the minors, every opportunity is invaluable to the Cuban infielder who’s trying to make a good impression with every touch. Gordon has three hits in 12 at-bats, two of which were for triples, showcasing his appealing speed.

Starting for the second time this spring is Hyun-Jin Ryu. In today’s appearance, the left-hander hopes to be more effective coming off the mound. The slimmed-down Ryu gave up two hits in two innings with zero strikeouts in his spring debut. With a game already under his belt, the Dodgers hope to see Ryu look more comfortable in his second start.

After Ryu is finished going two or three innings, Jose Dominguez, Matt Magill, Javy Guerra and Paco Rodriguez are slated to pitch. Reserves in the field include Justin Turner, Mike Baxter, J.C. Boscan, Drew Butera and Brendan Harris as the coaching staff has about two weeks to start making roster decisions.

On the mound for the Reds is right-hander Homer Bailey. This offseason, Bailey signed a six-year, $105 million contract with the Reds. In his only other start so far during this year’s spring training, Bailey pitched two innings allowing one hit which happened to be a home run in a loss against the Indians. Ryu and Bailey will have a more exciting matchup in today’s game than in most other spring training games thus far.

Time Warner Cable subscribers will be able to catch this game on SportsNet LA at 6:05 PM PT. For fans with other cable providers, today’s game will be broadcasted on Dodgers radio AM570.

Dodgers Lineup: 

CF: Gordon

DH: Crawford

RF: Puig

1B: Gonzalez

3B: Uribe

LF: Pederson

2B: Guerrero

C: Federowicz

SS: Rojas

P: Ryu

Reds Lineup: 

CF: Hamilton

2B: Phillips

1B: Votto

LF: Ludwick

RF: Bruce

3B: Frazier

SS: Cozart

C: Mesoraco

DH: Duran

P: Bailey

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