Spring Training Preview: Kershaw Starts, Puig Returns To Lineup

Thanks in large part to a grand slam from Matt Carson in the bottom of the eighth, the Los Angeles Dodgers comfortably defeated the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, 7-2. Now the Dodgers turn their attention to the Seattle Mariners.
With Clayton Kershaw starting on the mound, the Dodgers figure to be in good position for another win. The Dodgers’ ace is making this third start this spring and has been pitching on a regular five-day cycle thus far.
In his previous two starts, Kershaw has thrown five innings, posted a 1.80 ERA with five strikeouts and allowed just one earned run. While the left-hander has pitched well, one should be hesitant to examine Kershaw’s Spring Training numbers too closely. Last spring, he ended with an atrocious 9.20 ERA in four starts yet went on to have an MVP and Cy Young regular season.
On the mound for the Mariners is Cuban left-hander Roenis Elias. In his rookie season in the Majors last year, the 26 year old logged 29 starts and recorded a 3.85 ERA. Over two games and a combined four innings pitched this spring, Elias has given up seven hits and two earned runs.
Yasiel Puig finds himself back in the lineup after being scratched yesterday due to illness. Andre Ethier is the next man up in center field, and the lineup includes the Dodgers’ regular infield of Adrian Gonzalez, Howie Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins and Juan Uribe.
Adam Liberatore and Sergio Santos are among the pitchers expected to make relief appearances.
Dodgers Lineup:
SS: Jimmy Rollins
RF: Yasiel Puig
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
2B: Howie Kendrick
C: Yasmani Grandal
LF: Carl Crawford
3B: Juan Uribe
CF: Andre Ethier
DH: Alex Guerrero
P: Clayton Kershaw
Mariners Lineup:
CF: Austin Jackson
LF: Justin Ruggiano
2B: Robinson Canó
RF: Nelson Cruz
DH: Rickie Weeks
1B: Logan Morrison
C: Mike Zunino
3B: D.J. Peterson
SS: Ketel Marte
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