Preview: Joc Pederson Remains In Leadoff Spot As Dodgers Host D-Backs
When the season began for the Los Angeles Dodgers they knew there would be some unavailable starters and key players, and thus, there was a need for role players to step up and replace them.
There were also questions surrounding the Dodgers and where certain players would fit in the lineup. Where would Don Mattingly play Alex Guerrero and Andre Ethier? Would Justin Turner have the same opportunities to make an impact as he did last season?
Well, today there are very easy answers to those questions. Gone are Carl Crawford, Brandon McCarthy and Yasiel Puig due to injuries. In are Ethier and Guerrero, and Justin Turner, who fills in for Juan Uribe and his 11-game hitting streak.
Additionally, Carlos Frias makes his first start of the season and by doing so becomes the eighth different pitcher to start a game for the Dodgers, which is tied for most in the Majors. Frias has pitched 2.1 innings this season (two relief appearances), with his last appearance coming April 27 against the San Francisco Giants.
The 25-year-old right-hander was 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA and had 15 strikeouts in three games (12.2 innings; two starts) with Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to his call-up. Manager Don Mattingly said prior to Friday’s game he’s hoping for seven innings out of his starter.
Frias will be opposed by former Dodger Rubby De La Rosa, who was shipped away in 2012 as part of the trade that brought Adrian Gonzalez and Crawford to Los Angeles. De La Rosa is 2-1 with a 4.68 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in four starts this season. The only Dodgers to have faced him are Howie Kendrick (5-for-9) and Turner (0-for-3).
Joc Pederson again bats leadoff with the usual suspects hitting behind him. Guerrero bats eighth, giving the Dodgers length and power throughout the order. Friday marks the fourth meeting between the Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks this season with the Boys in Blue 1-2 thus far.
Dodgers Lineup:
CF: Joc Pederson
SS: Jimmy Rollins
2B: Howie Kendrick
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
3B: Justin Turner
RF: Andre Ethier
C: Yasmani Grandal
LF: Alex Guerrero
P: Carlos Frias
Diamondbacks Lineup:
CF: A.J. Pollock
2B: Chris Owings
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
RF: Mark Trumbo
LF: David Peralta
3B: Yasmany Tomas
C: Tuffy Gosewisch
SS: Nick Ahmed
P: Rubby De La Rosa
[divide]
Yasmani the Rally Killer struck out again with the bases loaded. They got him for hitting and pitch framing right? you have to believe the Front Office is making DM continue to play the guy. But what a complete waste. They should bring Barnes up from AAA. Send Yasmani down to get his hitting under control. At least play Ellis to get a good defensive catcher in there as it is obvious Grandal cannot hit.