NL West Round-Up: Dodgers Resume Regular Season, Injuries To Pitchers
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres meet Sunday night in what will be the Dodgers’ third game against a division foe this season. It’s both the home and season opener for the Padres, who are hoping to be one of the teams that contends for the NL West title. As the regular season begins, the Dodgers aren’t the only team dealing with injuries to their pitchers.
Here’s a look at the news and rumors from around the division:
Arizona Diamondbacks
After losing Patrick Corbin to Tommy John surgery, another Diamondbacks’ starter fell victim to the arm injury. An MRI revealed reliever David Hernandez has a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament and will likely need the season-ending surgery; the latest update on Hernandez has him seeking a second opinion before opting for the surgery. On a positive note, Bronson Arroyo pitched 4.2 innings and struck out two in his final Spring Training start. The Diamondbacks will resume their regular season schedule on Monday against the San Francisco Giants.
Colorado Rockies
Pitcher Tyler Chatwood, who is entering his third season with the Rockies after spending the previous two with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, left his start early on Friday after straining his hamstring. A re-evaluation on Saturday proved that the strain was minor and Chatwood isn’t expected to miss a start. Chatwood started 20 games last season, finishing with an 8-5 record and 3.15 ERA.
Los Angeles Dodgers
It’s been somewhat of a disappointing week for the Dodgers since their return to the United States. Clayton Kershaw was scratched from the domestic opener, which is tonight in San Diego and the situation then escalated to Kershaw being placed on the disabled list retroactive to his start in Australia. However, there was also some positive news for the Dodgers and Yasiel Puig. During a team meeting that included manager Don Mattingly, Puig asked his teammates for help in his development as a player. The meeting was in response to Mattingly’s critical comments of the outfielder’s base running errors and tendency to claim injury following unsuccessful plate appearances.
San Diego Padres
The Padres open their season against the Dodgers on Sunday night and similar to the Dodgers, were making final roster moves as recent as Saturday. Left fielder Carlos Quentin was placed on the disabled list, meaning he will not face old foe Zack Greinke in the Tuesday matchup. The team also announced Kyle Blanks will start the season in Triple-A. The roster moves made room for Tommy Medica and Xavier Nady to be with the team come Opening Day.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants were given a scare on Friday when Tim Lincecum was hit by a line drive on his left leg. Lincecum had to be helped off the field in the fourth inning, but it appears as though it was nothing more than a bone bruise. When asked about his regular season debut, Lincecum expressed optimism that he would be able to pitch, saying, “I should be fine by the time that comes around.”
——————————————————————————————
VIDEO: Don Mattingly Meets With Team To “Clear Air”