Spring Training News: Belli Bombs and Walker Whiffs

Today’s game did not have the desired end result. Losing to the Diamondbacks is second only to losing to the Giants for many fans. Despite the loss, this game still featured a lot for Dodger fans to be excited about. Walker Buehler started today’s game and once again had a dynamic performance.

Buehler’s Solid Start

Earlier this week Walker Buehler was optioned to the Minors. But today began with Buehler throwing 2 solid innings of no-hit ball. With his fastball regularly hitting 96-98MPH, he held the D-Backs hitters well in check. Walking only one and striking out two batters, Buehler continued to showcase his awesome repertoire. Building off his electric debut Buehler continues to show us why he is the Dodgers’ top prospect and a future rotation mainstay.

2nd ? outing for Walker Buehler:
2 IP
0 R
0 H
1 BB
2 K#SpringTraining totals:
4 IP
0 R
1 H
1 BB
7 K@Dodgers' No. 1/@MLB No. 12:https://t.co/AnIkFLceXR pic.twitter.com/r39Ru2yiCY

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 16, 2018

Walker Buehler retires Peralta-Pollock-Goldschmidt in order. Fastballs were clocked 97-98mph. #Dodgers #DBacks

— . (@THEREAL_DV) March 16, 2018

Belli Bombs Away

Cody Bellinger has not made nearly as much noise this Spring as he did last year. Which could be both good and bad for him. Even though he has a lackluster line, and “only” two home-runs, he is still looking quite solid and ready for the 2018 season. Up until today many were concerned that his woes from the playoffs were carrying over to the Spring. This of course is nothing to be concerned, about as extreme success or slumps in Spring, or playoff performances don’t translate to the following season. Today’s moonshot showed us that Bellinger is just fine and can turn mistakes into Belli Bomb’s with ease.

See ya. #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/Na7mgqwn6a

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 16, 2018

Opening Day Starting Lineup Preview…

Today’s lineup looked an awful lot like what some may suspect the Opening Day lineup to look like. With the excellent performances of Kemp and Forsythe, they seemingly have solidified spots on the roster. And all the regulars were playing where they are expected to play. The lone differences are that Kyle Farmer was DH’ing, and the Opening Day catcher may end up being Yasmani Grandal over Austin Barnes.

#ITFDB pic.twitter.com/iLNXCyux3q

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 16, 2018

Any Dodger fan should be mighty pleased with a lineup card like that. Plenty of depth up and down the lineup. And enough variety on the bench to address any platoon splits. Sorry D-Backs fans, but our lineup is vastly superior to yours. Despite losing to the Diamondbacks 4-1, there were definitely a few positives to take away from today’s game. Buehler’s solid performance, a Belli Bomb, and a possible Opening Day lineup preview. All told, looks like a pretty good day for Dodgers Nation to me.