Spring Training News: Greinke Allows 2 Home Runs In Minor League Game
While the Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers traveled to Surprise, Ariz., to face the Kansas City Royals in their last Cactus League game Wednesday, Zack Greinke stayed behind at Camelback Ranch and started in a Minor League game as his final tuneup before the regular season begins.
According to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register, Greinke threw 85 pitches in seven innings while giving up five hits and striking out nine:
Zack Greinke probably done after7 IP v #Dodgers A-ballers. 5 H inc 2 HR 0 BB 9 K 2 more baserunners on IF Es. 85 pitches
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 1, 2015
The reason Greinke threw in a Minor League game as his final outing, as opposed to in the Freeway Series which begins on Thursday is because he struggled in his last outing. While facing the San Francisco Giants on March 27, he failed to get out of the fourth inning after reaching his pitch limit.
By the time Greinke was removed, the Giants scored four runs, two of which were charged to Greinke on five hits. Dodgers manager Don Mattingly thought a Minor League outing would be of more benefit for Greike, which appears to have held true:
Greinke said he made a "slight mechanical change" on last pitch of 5th inning. Retired final 9 batters in order inc 4 consec Ks after change
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 1, 2015
When asked whether this start now has Greinke prepared, he was non-committal:
Asked Zack Greinke if he got what he needed out of that minor-league game: "I hope so."
Asked him if he's ready for the season: "I hope so"
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 1, 2015
Greinke endured an up and down Spring Training as he fell behind other pitchers due to receiving a lubricating injection in his right elbow and he never quite found a good rhythm. Nonetheless, he’s scheduled to take the mound Tuesday, April 7, for the Dodgers’ second game of the regular season against the San Diego Padres.
[divide]Zack Greinke Working On Improving Slider
