Spring Training Preview: Mike Bolsinger Makes Debut Vs. Indians
After a pair of victories in their split squad contests on Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers travel to Goodyear, Ariz., to take on the reigning AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber and the Cleveland Indians on Saturday.
The Dodgers’ lineup looks similar to how it should shape up come Opening Day, with a few exceptions — exceptions that are near the bottom of the order. Manager Don Mattingly has Andre Ethier as the designated hitter, Scott Schebler starting in right field and Darnell Sweeney getting the nod in center.
Both two prospects have earned their respective starts, hitting .500 and .600 respectively, thus far in Cactus League play. Notable bench players in who will see time in today’s contest are O’Koyea Dickson, Alex Guerrero and Corey Seager. As the Dodgers’ top prospect, Seager has collected just one hit in four at-bats, but has also walked four times.
Guerrero, who hit a home run in Thursday’s win, is 5-for-7 in his first three games. Dickson homered for the second day in a row on Friday. Joc Pederson gets a day off after a hot start.
The Dodgers right-hander Mike Bolsinger to the mound, whom they acquired for cash considerations in November. Bolsinger, who made his Major-League debut last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, posted a 5.50 ERA in Arizona and doesn’t figure to make the active roster out of Spring Training.
However, he and teammates Erik Bedard, Joe Wieland and Carlos Frias are all conceivably competing for the chance to be the first player called up to fill a void in the rotation.
Following Bolsinger on the mound will be non-roster invite Chad Gaudin and a cadre of Minor-Leaguers. Starting opposite Bolsinger is reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber.
Dodgers Lineup:
SS: Jimmy Rollins
LF: Carl Crawford
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
C: Yasmani Grandal
2B: Howie Kendrick
DH: Andre Ethier
3B: Juan Uribe
RF: Scott Schebler
CF: Darnell Sweeney
P: Mike Bolsinger
Indians Lineup:
SS: Jose Ramirez
2B: Jason Kipnis
LF: Michael Brantley
1B: Carlos Santana
3B: Lonnie Chisenhall
C: Yan Gomes
RF: David Murphy
DH: Jerry Sands
CF: Tyler Naquin
P: Corey Kluber
[divide]
Yasmani Grandal Discusses Working With A.J. Ellis