Game 8 Preview: David Huff Makes Debut, Yasiel Puig Sits
The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a walk-off win on Monday night in their first interleague game of 2015 against the Seattle Mariners. Alex Guerrero played hero with a game-winning single in the bottom of the 10th, and today, a new starting pitcher has the opportunity to shine.
Because of Hyun-Jin Ryu being on the disabled list with a shoulder issue, the Dodgers have knew they would not be able to continue on with a four-man rotation. They had discussed utilizing a bullpen game in Ryu’s absence, but the team decided to option infielder Darwin Barney to make room for David Huff to make his first appearance in a Dodger uniform.
The 30-year-old left hander began his career as a starter with the Cleveland Indians, but has spent the most recent seasons in the bullpen with the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees. Huff was impressive this spring, allowing just two earned runs over 13.2 innings as a non-roster invitee. Unfortunately, this was not enough to earn him a roster spot on Opening Day.
Right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma takes the mound for the Mariners today. The Japanese starter will make his second start of the season and hopes to make up for his unimpressive start last week. Iwakuma went for six innings and gave up nine hits and five runs. Last season, the 34-year-old went 15-9 and posted a 3.52 ERA and looks to shape up to last season’s standards in today’s start.
Yasiel Puig will not be in the lineup tonight due to a hamstring issue, and Andre Ethier will assume the position in right field after being left off the lineup yesterday. Crawford returns to his spot in left field, and Yasmani Grandal catches for Huff today. Although Guerrero was the walk-off hero last night, Juan Uribe is healthy and back in the starting lineup.
Dodgers Lineup
SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Carl Crawford
2B Howie Kendrick
C Yasmani Grandal
RF Andre Ethier
3B Juan Uribe
CF Joc Pederson
P David Huff
Mariners Lineup
LF Rickie Weeks
CF Austin Jackson
2B Robinson Cano
RF Nelson Cruz
3B Kyle Seager
C Mike Zunino
SS Brad Miller
1B Willie Bloomquist
P Hisashi Iwakuma
Dodgers 2015 Spring Training – Paco Rodriguez
