Dodgers News: Zack Greinke To Start In Minor League Game
The results and performances from Spring Training may not count in the long run. However, it is still a learning period and a time for players to get nuances out of their system before the regular season begins.
As is the case for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke, who struggled in his last outing. While facing the San Francisco Giants Friday night, the pitcher failed to get out of the fourth inning after reaching his pitch limit. By the time he was removed, the Giants scored four runs, two of which were charged to Greinke, and belted the Dodger pitcher with five hits.
After Greinke’s struggles, manager Don Mattingly has elected to have his pitcher start a minor league game Wednesday instead of his scheduled Thursday start against the Los Angeles Angels, according to MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick:
He’s not thrilled about it,” Mattingly said. “He’ll throw Wednesday, the same day as [Clayton] Kershaw [against the Royals]. We feel he’s not quite built up. He didn’t get to do the ups and downs last night. He’ll have an extra day before he starts [April 7 against San Diego].”
Greinke began Spring Training behind schedule after missing his first start. The lubricating injection he received was considered to be non-issue as he receives it on an annual basis. However, his performance thus far in the spring could use some improvement.
The Dodgers will need Greinke to be on top of his game when the regular season begins as Hyun-Jin Ryu’s placement on the disabled list leaves a hole in the rotation. Greinke will be entering his third year with the Dodgers and has the opportunity to opt-out of his contract should he wish to do.
Last year, Greinke went 17-8 with a 2.71 ERA. He was also named to the National League All-Star team and won his first career Golde Glove.
Dodgers 2015 Spring Training – Corey Seager
