Shoulder Inflammation Sends Ryu to the DL

If recent history is any indication, this move by the Dodgers is just precautionary and not indicative of something worse.  After all, they played it safe by not allowing Greinke to start in Australia and held back Kershaw when he felt something unusual in his shoulder. 

This time, they decide to place Hyun-Jin Ryu on the 15-day disabled list due to some recent left-shoulder inflammation.  It cropped up after his last start, and it uncharacteristically had yet to disappear.  Per a report from Ken Gurnick, they do not have plans for an MRI just yet.

Also, the Dodgers do a little more shuffling by sending down Paco Rodriguez (who was just called up on Thursday) and Red Patterson (who started yesterday as a 26th man), and bring back up Chone Figgins (who was sent down on April 21st) and Jose Dominguez (who was sent down on the 27th).

Per a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today recalled infielder/outfielder Chone Figgins and right-handed pitcher Jose Dominguez, placed left-handed pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu on the 15-day disabled list with left-shoulder inflammation (retroactive to April 28), returned left-handed pitcher Paco Rodriguez to Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned right-handed pitcher Red Patterson to Triple-A Albuquerque

Figgins, who will be appearing in his second stint with the club, has played in nine games this season (nine PH appearances), going 1-for-6 with three walks for a .444 on-base percentage. The 12-year Major League veteran was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on April 21 and played in eight games for the Isotopes, batting .280 (7-for-25) with two doubles and three runs scored.

Dominguez returns to the club for his fourth stint this season, having pitched in four games. The hard-throwing was optioned to Albuquerque on Sunday and last appeared in a game for the Isotopes Monday vs. Salt Lake, firing 2.0 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. On the season, Dominguez has pitched in four games at Albuquerque, allowing only one earned run in 5.0 innings (1.80 ERA).

There is no word yet on who will take over Ryu's spot on the rotation this coming Sunday, so twitter is filled with speculation.  Some possibilities include Stephen Fife and Zach Lee.  All I do know is that Puig has certainly given Ryu a big hug in hopes it makes him feel better.

(pic above via @Dodgers on twitter)

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Welcome to the Blue, Carlos Triunfel!

It has been announced this morning that AAA infielder Carlos Triunfel has been recalled, and Dodger reliever Jose Dominguez has been optioned back to Albuquerque.  Per a Dodger press release:

The 24-year-old Triunfel was claimed by the Dodgers on outright waivers from Seattle on April 2. Triunfel, who made his Major League debut with the Mariners on Sept. 2, 2012 vs. Oakland, has shown the versatility to play shortstop (17 G), second base (6 G) and third base (1 G) in his 27 career Major League games with Seattle from 2012-13. At Triple-A Albuquerque this season, the Dominican Republic native is batting .291 (16-for-55) with four doubles and four RBI.

At one time, Triunfel was a highly regarded prospect within the Mariner farm system, but that was 6 years ago.  He was a Mid-Season All-Star in 2007 in the Midwest League and named a Rising Star in 2008 while playing as an 18-year old in the Arizona Fall League.  So, he certainly was on the right trajectory towards stardom. 

A scouting report from 2008 stated: 

A young, exciting, high-ceiling player, he's very instinctual on field with the ability to hit for average and power in the future. He has one of the best arms in baseball, Minors or Majors, with the ability to fill three positions -- shortstop, third, second -- in the infield. He'll have to watch his conditioning and may end up being too big to stay at short, though some think he'll be just fine there.

It remains to be seen if he'll stick around as a Dodger defensive replacement, but one would think that if the infield doesn't work out then maybe the mound might work.  With his reputation for having a strong arm, I suspect that could very well be a potential fallback position.  For now, he is a Dodger infielder, and is likely to get plenty of playing time if Hanley's thumb injury is worse than expected.

I made a Dodger fantasy Baseball card for Triunfel using a 1959 Topps card design and a photo taken from Licey.com.  Check it out above.  Below are his career stats, via Baseball-Reference.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/22/2014 - Dodger Links - Arruebarrena Plays, More Dodger Give-Away Previews and Greinke

This is a great photo of an unfortunate play.  Carlos Ruiz tags out Yasiel Puig between 3rd and home in the 1st inning.  It set a tone for the rest of the game as they would not get another runner to 3rd base.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Dodgers’ SS prospect Erisbel Arruebarrena makes professional debut."
• Here's a peek at the Dodger pennant being given away at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, May 10th against the Giants.  See it on the right.   It has a old-timey kind of look to it.  
• On Tuesday, June 17th the Dodgers are giving away a facsimile autographed Dodger Baseball.  See it on the left, below.  Awesome, right?
  
  
• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider explores, "The crazy rise in strikeouts for the Dodgers."

Dodger pitchers have never struck out more than 1,292 batters in a season, a record set in 2013. This year, they’re on pace for 1,543. And Clayton Kershaw hasn’t pitched in a game since March.

• W.P. Kinsella at ESPN.com tells us all about how his book "Shoeless Joe" became the movie "Field of Dreams."  Hat Tip: Jon Weisman on twitter.

In the novel, the reclusive writer was the real-life J.D. Salinger. Why was he not a character in the movie? The answer involves both moxie and cowardice.

• Jon Chapper at Dodger Insider tells us that the Dodgers are nearing 10,000 total franchise National League wins, and we are either 3 or 16 wins away from it - depending on who you ask.
• Greg Katz at the LAist shares some delectable photos of some of the new foods being offered at Dodger Stadium.  Yummmmm...
• Eno Harris at FoxSports notes that Greinke has always played around with his pitching repertoire in order to stay ahead of hitter.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers name training room after Dr. Jobe."
• ICYMI:  The Dodgers recalled right-handed pitcher Jose Dominguez from Triple-A yesterday and optioned infielder/outfielder Chone Figgins to Albuquerque.  This is expected to be a short term move, so as to help out an overworked bullpen.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/4/2014 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends on Opening Day

I love this photo.  Above is a fans-eye-view of the ballfield at the Coliseum during the 1958 Baseball season, pic via @DugoutLegends.

• Mark Langill at the Dodger Insider tells us why Opening Day at Dodger Stadium is a day game. 
• Via Cory DiBenedetto at the Daily Gammons, "Hyun-Jin Ryu's zone location approach."
• Daniel Brim at Dodgers Digest takes a look at, "Hyun-Jin Ryu’s Other New Toy."

The curveball wasn’t only different pitch for Ryu. According to the data, Ryu has added a sinker (the pitch could also be a two-seam fastball, since Brooks often groups the two pitches together).

• ICYMI:  Brian Wilson was officially placed on the 15-day DL, and the Dodgers recalled reliever Jose Dominguez from AAA.

The Los Angeles Dodgers today placed right-handed pitcher Brian Wilson on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to March 31) with right elbow ulnar nerve inflammation and recalled right-handed pitcher Jose Dominguez from Triple-A Albuquerque. In nine appearances for the Dodgers in 2013, the hard-throwing right-hander posted a 2.16 ERA (2 ER/8.1 IP) with three walks and four strikeouts in his first big league season.

• Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, "Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw leads MLB pitchers in jersey sales."
• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Dodgers' Yasiel Puig seeks advice, gets it."

"I'm preparing very well in practice, in batting practice, everything I'm doing with the coaches," he said. "I'm learning more about the pitchers, the pitches they throw, how to not let them beat me with pitches out of the zone, wait for the pitches I can hit and to trust my hands."

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Trayvon Robinson: You can come home again."
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kemp confident he's ready for Dodgers' home opener."

 "I'm as ready as I can be, and [I'm] excited to get out and compete again," Kemp said. "I've done all the practicing I can do, I've done the rehab. I've busted my butt and now I hope all the work has paid off."

• So, first we hear that the Dodgers SportsNet LA negotiations between Time Warner and Direct TV have stopped since Direct TV walked away from the table(via Joe Flint at the LA Times).  Then, we hear that this announcement was just a sly tactic by Time Warner, and Direct TV is in fact still talking with them (via Ben Bergman at KPCC).  Who knows what to believe. 

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Dodgers Reset their 25-Man Roster

With the regular part of the 2014 MLB season about to begin in North America, the Dodgers have just released their newest version of the their 25-man roster.  Check out their 25-man roster for the Australia games here.

They placed Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day DL, and optioned reliever Jose Dominguez to AAA.

Note that Josh Beckett and Matt Kemp (along with Kershaw) will soon be placed back on the 25-man roster, so expect more changes over the coming days and weeks.  I suspect Mike Baxter will be the odd man out when Kemp is ready to go.  The moves the Dodgers make when Kershaw and Beckett are ready are a little more complicated.  Since Withrow and Rodriguez have options they may be the logical choices for being sent down.

Now, here is the current 25-man roster:

Pitchers (12):

Zack Greinke
Dan Haren
J.P. Howell (L)
Kenley Jansen
Brandon League
Paul Maholm (L)
Chris Perez
Paco Rodriguez (L)
Hyun-Jin Ryu (L)
Brian Wilson
Chris Withrow
Jamey Wright

Catchers (2):

Drew Butera
A.J. Ellis

Infielders (5):

Dee Gordon (L)
Adrian Gonzalez (L)
Hanley Ramirez
Justin Turner
Juan Uribe

Outfielders (5):

Mike Baxter (L)
Carl Crawford (L)
Andre Ethier (L)
Yasiel Puig
Scott Van Slyke

Infielder/Outfielder (1):

Chone Figgins (S)

Disabled List (6):

Josh Beckett, RHP (15-day, right thumb contusion, retroactive to March 19)
Chad Billingsley, RHP (15-day, right elbow surgery, retroactive to March 19)
Scott Elbert, LHP (60-day, left elbow surgery, retroactive to March 22)
Onelki Garcia, LHP (60-day, left elbow surgery, retroactive to March 22)
Matt Kemp, OF (15-day, right ankle surgery, retroactive to March 19)
Clayton Kershaw, LHP (Teres Major strain, retroactive to March 23)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 18/Road Game 8

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-8-4) at Chicago Cubs (6-8)
Friday, March 14, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Mesa
RHP Josh Beckett (0-1, 9.00) vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks (0-0, 5.40)
Spring Game 18/Road Game 8
Television/Radio: SNLA/None

--------------------------

(Van Slyke photobombs, Guerrero, Arruebarrena and Puig, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: With just four games remaining on the 2014 Cactus League slate, the Dodgers will face the Cubs at their new facility in Mesa for the first and only time this spring. Los Angeles leads the all-time series against Chicago, 1,034-1,024-14, and won six out of seven meetings in 2013, including a four-game sweep at Wrigley Field.

• Los Angeles opens the 2014 season in just eight days against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia.
• After playing in intrasquad minor league games on a back field of Camelback Ranch – Glendale on Wednesday and Thursday, Matt Kemp will have a scheduled off day today. Right-handed pitcher Brandon League will take the hill in a minor league intrasquad game this afternoon.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include IF Brendan Harris (#35), C Chris O’Brien (#70), RHP Steve Edlefsen (#83), IF Darnell Sweeney (#84), RHP Justin Souza (#87), OF Jon Garcia (#88), OF Trayvon Robinson (#89), IF Corey Seager (#90), C Jose Capellan (#91), IF O’Koyea Dickson (#95), IF Jamie Romak (#96), RHP Romulo Sanchez (#97).

(Rick Honeycutt, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

KING OF THE HILL: Right-hander Josh Beckett will take the mound and is scheduled to pitch 4.0 innings in his third start of the spring and last since giving up five runs in 3.0 innings on Saturday against Seattle. Beckett enters his third season with the Dodgers and ranks sixth among active pitchers (min. 1,500 IP) with an average of 8.34 strikeouts per 9.0 innings in his 12-year Major League career.

• Also scheduled to pitch today is hard-throwing right-hander Jose Dominguez, who has pitched 6.0 scoreless innings (5 G) in Cactus League play this spring, while walking two and striking out six. Dominguez has allowed only two hits this spring, good for a .100 opponents’ batting average (2-for-20).
• Despite issuing four walks in his four appearances, Paco Rodriguez has struck out four and has not allowed a run in 4.0 innings pitched. Scheduled to pitch today, Rodriguez ranked among the NL’s best relievers in ERA (2.32, 12th), opponents’ batting average .164 (3rd) and WHIP (0.90, 6th) in his first full MLB season in 2013.
• Also scheduled to pitch today is right-hander Javy Guerra, who spent the majority of 2013 with Triple-A Albuquerque. Guerra has posted good numbers in Cactus League play, allowing only one earned run (two runs) in five appearances (6.0 IP) for a 1.50 ERA.
• Right-handers Chris Withrow and Jamey Wright are scheduled to pitch in this afternoon’s game.

(Mounf conference, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

WELCOME BACK: Manager Don Mattingly, who has missed the club’s last two games due to a death in his family, is back in camp today. With four Cactus League games remaining, the Dodgers will play two of their weekend games with the new replay system, tomorrow at Chicago-AL and Sunday vs. Colorado. The system will also be in place for all three Freeway Series games against the Angels.

• The Dodgers fell, 8-2, to the Reds yesterday at Camelback Ranch. Left-hander Paul Maholm made his second start (third appearance) of the spring and suffered the loss, allowing six runs (5 ER) on six hits in 2.2 innings, while right-hander Seth Rosin allowed his first earned runs in Cactus League play (2 ER) in 3.0 innings. At the plate, Hanley Ramirez hit his second homer of the spring, a solo shot, while Justin Turner plated a run in the fourth inning to account for the Dodgers’ scoring.
• Another bright spot on offense yesterday was infielder Dee Gordon, who went 2-for-4 in the losing effort. The 25-year-old has had quite a spring on the base paths, as he leads all big leaguers in steals with eight (8-for-8 in SB attempts). Despite playing in only 181 games since 2011, Gordon ranks 16th in the NL with 66 steals and has been successful on 77.6% of his stolen base attempts in the big leagues (66-for-85).
• As a team, the Dodgers have been patient at the plate during Cactus League play, drawing 67 walks (T-1st, NL) in 17 spring games.

AUSTRALIAN FOR BASEBALL: The historic Sydney Cricket Ground, which is the site where the Dodgers will face the D-backs in MLB’s 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia, has been undergoing renovations to prepare for the first-ever MLB games to be played Down Under. The club will depart Arizona following its Sunday game against the Rockies and land in Sydney on Tuesday, March 18. Following a few days of workouts and sightseeing, the Dodgers will play Team Australia in an exhibition March 20 and then take on the D-backs March 22 and 23 to open the regular season.

• Clayton Kershaw will be the Opening Day starter for the first game against the D-backs in the 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. This will mark Kershaw’s fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the club and he has not allowed a run in his three previous outings (19.0 IP). The left-hander has racked up 19 strikeouts in his three Opening Day starts against the Giants (2013 – SHO, 2011 – 7.0 IP) and Padres (2012, 3.0 IP, exited game due to illness). Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch the second game in Australia.

(Watch out for that ball, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 15/Road Game 7

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

--------------------------

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (4-6-4) at Kansas City Royals (6-5-1)
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Surprise
RHP Dan Haren (0-0, 1.50) vs. LHP Jason Vargas (0-0, 0.00)
Spring Game 15/Road Game 7
Television/Radio: SNLA/None

--------------------------

(Dee Gordon signs for a young fan, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

BLUES BROTHERS: The Dodgers and Royals square off for their only meeting of the spring today at Surprise Stadium. The clubs will meet again in the regular season, June 23-25 at Kauffman Stadium, for the first time since 2005 and Kansas City holds a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series.

• The Dodgers made a flurry of roster moves over the last 24 hours, reassigning RHP Red Patterson to minor league camp this morning following yesterday’s moves of optioning RHP Matt Magill and reassigning C JC Boscan, RHP Carlos Frias, INF Brendan Harris and INF Clint Robinson to minor league camp.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include C Webster Rivas (#89), C Kyle Farmer (#88), OF Noel Cuevas (#92), OF Trayvon Robinson (#93), INF Daniel Mayora (#91), INF Aaron Bates (#95), INF Darnell Sweeney (#84), RHP Craig Stem (#96), LHP Danny Coulombe (#83), RHP Sam Demel (#38).

GREAT SELECTION OF TIES: The Dodgers registered their fourth tie of the spring yesterday, 8-8, against the A’s. Andre Ethier (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI) and Juan Uribe (2-for-3, HR, RBI) gave the Dodgers the early lead with first-inning home runs and, along with Hanley Ramirez (2-for-3, R), finished the day with multi-hit games. Hyun-Jin Ryu delivered 5.0 strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits, and lowered his spring ERA to 2.45 in three starts. Kenley Jansen closed out the game with a 1-2-3 ninth inning and has allowed just two hits in 4.0 scoreless innings in four appearances this spring.

• The Dodgers’ record for ties in a spring is five, set in 2006 (15-13-5).

(Hyun-Jin Ryu, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

LIEUTENANT DAN: Dan Haren will make his third start of the spring today after tossing 4.0 scoreless innings in his last start on Thursday against the Angels in Tempe. The 33-year-old has allowed just one run in 6.0 innings this spring and finished the 2013 campaign on a roll, going 6-3 with one save and a 3.14 ERA in his final 13 games with Washington (12 starts) after July 27.

• The Monterey Park, CA, native faced the Royals once last year and allowed four runs on eight hits in 7.0 innings in a no-decision (eventual 6-4 Washington defeat) on Aug. 25 at Kauffman Stadium. Haren has gone 5-2 with a 2.77 ERA (23 ER/74.2 IP) in 11 career starts against Kansas City.
• Backing Haren today will be Jose Dominguez (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 2.0 IP, 0 R, 1, H, 1 BB, 3 K), Javy Guerra (last pitched on March 9 vs. SF, 1.0 IP, 0 R, BB, K), Paco Rodriguez (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 1.0 IP, 0 R, K), Chris Withrow (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 1.0 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 H, BB, 2 K) and Jamey Wright (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 2.0 IP, 1 R, 2 H, BB, WP).
• Dominguez (5.0 IP), Guerra (5.0 IP) and Rodriguez (3.0) are all unscored upon this spring.

BASE BANDIT: Dee Gordon has the day off today, but the 25-year-old has had quite a spring on the base paths, as he leads all big leaguers in steals with eight (8-for-8 in SB attempts). Despite playing in only 181 games since 2011, Gordon ranks 16th in the NL with 66 steals and has been successful on 77.6% of his stolen base attempts in the big leagues (66-for-85).

(Andre Ethier's home run swing, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!: The  Dodgers will open the 2014 season 11 days from today (!) against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. The historic Sydney Cricket Ground has been undergoing renovations to prepare for the first-ever MLB games to be played Down Under. The club will depart Arizona following its March 16 game against the Rockies and land in Sydney on March 18. Following a few days of workouts and sightseeing, the Dodgers will play Team Australia in an exhibition on March 20 and then take on the D-backs on March 22 and 23 to open the regular season.

• Clayton Kershaw will be the Opening Day starter for the first game against the D-backs in the 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. This will mark Kershaw’s fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the club and he has not allowed a run in his three previous outings (19.0 IP). The left-hander has racked up 19 strikeouts in his three Opening Day starts against the Giants (2013 – SHO, 2011 – 7.0 IP) and Padres (2012, 3.0 IP, exited game due to illness). Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch the second game in Australia.

ALL-STAR TEACHERS: Yesterday, Major League Baseball, Target Corp and PEOPLE announced the “Target Presents PEOPLE All-Star Teachers” campaign, which celebrates remarkable current and retired teachers who make an impact on the lives of their students and communities. All-Stars Adrian Gonzalez and Carlos Beltran will lend their support to the initiative by encouraging fans to nominate an outstanding teacher beginning today through May 6 at AllStarTeachers.com. Nominees will have the chance to represent their favorite team and be honored during the pre-game ceremony of the 2014 MLB All-Star Game on July 15 on FOX. MLB, Target and PEOPLE will review nominations and select three teachers per MLB team, with the 90 finalists to be announced on June 5. From June 5 through June 29, fans will be encouraged to visit AllStarTeachers.com to read nominees’ submission stories and vote for their favorite teachers.  All 30 winners, one representing each MLB Club, will be announced during All-Star Week.

(Uribe, Punto and Puig, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 8/Away Game 4

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

--------------------------

 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (2-4-1) at Cincinnati Reds (3-4)
Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – 7:05 p.m. | Goodyear
LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Homer Bailey (0-1, 9.00)
Spring Game 8/Away Game 4
Television: SNLA/Radio: KLAC

--------------------------

(Blue Prints Photo Booth, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

UNDER THE LIGHTS: The Dodgers travel to Goodyear to take on the Reds this evening for the first of two games this spring, with the clubs meeting again a week from tomorrow at Camelback Ranch. Los Angeles currently holds a 1,108-1,089-13 all-time advantage against the Reds, falling in the 2013 season series, 3-4.

• Seven minor leaguers will dress for the club today: LHP Fu-Te Ni (#86), IF Darnell Sweeney (#87), IF Daniel Mayora (#88), OF Jon Garcia (#89), OF Jeremy Hazelbaker (#90), IF Aaron Bates (#95) and 2013 Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year OF Scott Schebler (#91)
• The Dodgers will touch down in Sydney in less than two weeks for MLB’s Opening Series against the D-backs and are just 17 days away from Opening Day in Australia!

KING OF THE HILL: Left-handed pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu will take the mound tonight for the second time this spring after starting Friday against the White Sox, when he fired 2.0 scoreless innings, while allowing two hits. In 2013, the Korean-born pitcher turned in an impressive first Major League season, going 14-8 with a 3.00 ERA in 30 starts, while ranking among the Dodger team leaders in wins (3rd), complete games (2, 2nd), innings (192.0, 2nd), strikeouts (154, 2nd) and starts (2nd). Ryu started last season on a roll with six consecutive quality starts from April 2-30 and made 22 quality starts overall.

• Right-hander Jose Dominguez will appear in his third game of the spring tonight after firing scoreless innings in his first two outings. In nine appearances for the Dodgers in 2013, the Dominican native posted a 2.16 ERA (2 ER/8.1 IP) with three walks and four strikeouts.
• Scheduled to make his third 2014 Cactus League appearance tonight is righty Javy Guerra, who has two scoreless outings under his belt (2.0 IP). Last season, the reliever spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Albuquerque and allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 10.2 innings in nine appearances during his only stint with Los Angeles from April 30-May 30.
• Right-handed pitcher Matt Magill is scheduled to pitch in tonight’s game after pitching scoreless ball in his only appearance of the spring on Friday against the White Sox. Magill saw his first big league action in 2013, going 0-2 with a 6.51 ERA (20 ER/27.2 IP) in six starts during three stints with the Dodgers.
• After walking two and striking out two in a scoreless inning of his first Cactus League appearance on Sunday at the Brewers, southpaw Paco Rodriguez will make his second appearance this evening. In 2013, Rodriguez ranked among the NL’s best relievers in ERA (2.32, 12th), opponents’ batting average .164 (3rd) and WHIP (0.90, 6th) in his first full Major League season.
• Non-roster invitee Carlos Frias will also take the mound tonight after allowing one run in his first outing (1.0 IP) on Thursday vs. the D-backs.

(Uribe and Puig - Friends Forever, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

SEEMS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY: Yesterday, the Dodgers fell to Seattle, 4-1, in their Cactus League matinee at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The club’s lone run came off the bat of minor league outfielder Trayvon Robinson, who stroked an eighth-inning leadoff home run against his former team. On the mound, right-handed relievers Brian Wilson and Kenley Jansen tossed perfect frames in the first and second innings, respectively, while RHP Chris Perez (1.0 IP), RHP Chris Withrow (2.0 IP) and RHP Red Patterson (2.0 IP) also pitched scoreless relief.

GET WELL SOON: Non-roster invitee Ross Stripling, who enters 2014 rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers’ No. 10 prospect, underwent surgery this morning in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The surgery was an arthroscopic procedure to remove loose bodies from an inflamed and swollen elbow. The plan is to allow the inflammation to resolve and restore range of motion before proceeding with Tommy John reconstruction surgery. Stripling, 24, went 8-4 with a 2.82 ERA in 27 games between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Chattanooga in 2013.

I underwent a scope to clean out my right elbow but was too swollen to continue. I will have TJ when swelling subsides, roughly 2 weeks
— Ross Stripling (@RossStripling) March 5, 2014

CONGRATS!: This evening, Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten will be presented with the 2013 Sports Executive of the Year Award by the L.A. Sports Council at the 9th Annual LA Sports Awards at the Beverly Hilton. The ceremony will be televised on Prime Ticket at a later date.

(Dee flips to Miguel, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgerrs 2014)

I SEE LONDON, I SEE FRANCE: Today, on Field 6 of Camelback Ranch - Glendale, a team of Dodger minor leaguers played an exhibition game against Team France, managed by former Dodger closer and 2003 NL Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne, in the first of a five-game Cactus League tour. This is the second time Team France has played against MLB clubs, last facing the Pirates and Blue Jays in October 2013.

• Gagne, a three-time All-Star, played for Los Angeles from 1999-2006 and racked up 187 saves over his 10-year big league career with the Dodgers, Rangers (2007), Red Sox (2007) and Brewers (2008). The right-handed flamethrower holds the franchise record for saves in a season with 55 in 2003, the year he won the NL Cy Young Award.

#GameOver: pic.twitter.com/3xSRTfgIcE
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 5, 2014

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: Expanded instant replay with manager challenges made its debut at three Spring Training games on Monday, but Don Mattingly and the Dodgers will get their first taste of the new system tomorrow against the Angels in Tempe. Los Angeles has a total of five Cactus League games where replay will be used; March 11 at Kansas City, March 12 vs. Arizona, March 15 vs. Chicago-AL and March 16 vs. Colorado, and the system will be in place for all three Freeway Series games against the Angels.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 4/Road Game 2

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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(Kershaw warming up, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

BACK ON THE ROAD!: The Dodgers travel to Maryvale today for their second road game of the spring as they meet the Brewers for the only time in Cactus League play this year. The clubs will meet two times during the regular season, Aug. 8-10, at Miller Park and Aug. 15-17 at Dodger Stadium.

• The Dodgers picked up their second victory of the spring yesterday with a 5-0 victory over the White Sox. Center Fielder Joc Pederson and first basemen Clint Robinson, both non-roster invitees, hit their first home runs of the spring. Pederson’s go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh proved to be more than enough for a pitching staff that has allowed just seven earned runs in 27 innings of play (2.33 ERA).
• Left-handed starter Hyun-Jin Ryun was impressive in his Cactus League debut, allowing two singles in two innings of work. Six Dodger relievers, including Brian Wilson and Kenley Jansen, combined to throw seven scoreless innings.

(Clint Robinson, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

HILLTOPPERS: Right-hander Dan Haren made his Dodgers debut this afternoon after going 10-14 with a 4.67 ERA in 31 games (30 GS) in his only season with the Nationals in 2013. In his career, the 33-year-old has gone 129-111 with a 3.74 ERA and has posted double-digit win totals in each of his last nine seasons. Also appearing in the game today:

• RHP Brandon League made his first appearance of the spring after posting a 6-4 record in 58 games last season.
• Dodger reliever LHP Paco Rodriguez made his Cactus League debut after limiting opponents to a .164 batting average in his first full season in the Major Leagues last year.
• RHP Javy Guerra tossed a scoreless inning on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks and made his second appearance of the spring. Guerra enters his 11th year in the Dodgers organization.
• Non-roster invitee LHP Chris Reed will make his Cactus League debut. Reed enters 2014 rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers’ No. 8 prospect.
• RHP Jose Dominguez tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks and will be making his second appearance of the spring. In 2013, Dominguez appeared in nine games with the Dodgers, posting a 2.16 ERA.
• Milwaukee will counter with RHP Kyle Lohse, RHP Ariel Pena, RHP David Goforth, RHP Tyler Cravy and LHP and former Dodger Brent Leach. Leach pitched in Los Angeles for Joe Torre in 38 games during the 2009 season.

(Dan Haren, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

NOTHING MINOR ABOUT IT: The Dodgers had seven minor leaguers joining the club vs. the Brewers today, with pitchers LHP Fu-Ti Ni (#91),  RHP Henry Sosa (#88) and RHP Lindsey Caughel (#93), infielders Darnell Sweeney (#87), Aaron Bates (#97) and Jamie Romak (#96) and outfielder Noel Cuevas (#92) all making the trip.

ON THE MEND: According to Manager Don Mattingly, the MRI on outfielder Matt Kemp came back with a good report, giving him the go-ahead to move forward with his rehab. While he is not at full strength, Kemp will start to incorporate running and agility work into his routine. Right-hander Zack Greinke is also feeling better than yesterday and will throw on flat ground today. Dodger starter Chad Billingsley threw a bullpen this morning, introducing curveballs into his repertoire for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last April 24.

• Dodger left fielder Carl Crawford returns to the lineup today as the designated hitter. Crawford missed the last two games with a mild strain of his right quad. The 32-year-old played in 116 games last season and hit .283 with 15 steals in 19 attempts.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

OLD FRIEND ALERT: Former Dodger INF/OF Elian Herrera will start at shortstop for the Brewers this afternoon. Herrera hit .251 with a homer, 17 RBI and a .336 on-base percentage in 71 big league games with Los Angeles the last two seasons. The native of the Dominican Republic was claimed by the Brewers on November 4, 2013.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 17 / Road Game 1

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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Los Angeles Dodgers (0-0) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (0-0)
Wednesday, February 26, 2014 – 1:10 p.m. | Talking Stick
LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy
Spring Game 17/Road Game 1

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(pic via MLB Fan Cave on twitter)

PLAY BALL!: The Dodgers will play their Cactus League opener today against the D-backs at Talking Stick. Today’s game will be the Dodgers’ first of 21 games in Arizona, with the club playing 25 total exhibitions this spring, including a game against Team Australia (March 20 in Sydney) and the Freeway Series (March 27-29 in Southern California).

(Clayton Kershaw, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

HILLTOPPERS: Clayton Kershaw will take the mound today after winning his second-career Cy Young Award in 2013, becoming just the second Dodger (Sandy Koufax – 1963, 1965, 1966) and 17th all-time pitcher to win multiple Cy Young Awards. Since the start of the live ball era in 1920, the left-hander has the lowest all-time career ERA (2.60) among pitchers with more than 1,000.0 innings pitched and 100 games started. The Dallas, TX, native led the Majors in ERA in each of the last three seasons, becoming the first pitcher to do so since Greg Maddux (1993-95) and the first-ever Dodger to accomplish the feat. Also appearing in the game today:

• Seth Rosin (RHP) enters his first season in the Dodger organization after he was acquired through the Rule 5 draft and a trade with New York-NL in December 2013. In 108 professional games (42 GS), Rosin has gone 14-12 with a 4.00 ERA in the Philadelphia and San Francisco organizations.
• Right-hander Javy Guerra, who spent the majority of 2013 with Triple-A Albuquerque, allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 10.2 innings over nine appearances in his only stint with the Dodgers last season.
• 23-year-old Jose Dominguez made his Major League debut last season and posted a 2.16 ERA (2 ER/8.1 IP) in nine appearances with Los Angeles. The hard-throwing right-hander was eventually transferred to the 60-day disabled list after being placed on the 15-day DL on July 23 with a left quad strain.
• Non-roster invitee Ross Stripling is in his first big league camp after posting an 8-4 record with one save and a 2.82 ERA in 27 games (22 GS) between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Chattanooga in 2013. The right-hander enters 2014 rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers’ No. 10 prospect.
• Right-handed non-roster invitee Sam Demel has appeared in 72 games at the Major League level with the D-backs (2010-12), posting a 4-4 record with a 4.95 ERA.
• 27-year-old non-roster invitee Daniel Moskos (LHP) has gone 26-28 with a 4.43 ERA in 207 games (45 GS) in seven minor league seasons with the Pirates (2007-12) and White Sox (2012-13).

(Adrian Gonzalez, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

GET YOUR BIG LEAGUE ON: The Dodgers will have four minor leaguers joining the club vs. the D-backs today, with infielders Darnell Sweeney (#83) and Jamie Romak (#94), outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker (#83) and right-handed pitcher Stephen Smith (#95) all making the trip.

A WARM WELCOME: Dodger great Shawn Green arrived in camp today and will be in uniform as a guest instructor, joining Sandy Koufax, Tommy Davis and Eric Karros as those who’ve appeared at Camelback Ranch – Glendale this year.

• Green is a two-time All-Star, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner, who set the franchise record for the most homers in a single season with 49 in 2001. The following year, Green hit four homers in a single game against the Milwaukee Brewers, joining Gil Hodges as the only Dodgers two hit four homers in a game. Green surpassed 40 home runs, 100 RBI and 100 runs three times in his 15-year Major League career.

OPEN TRYOUT: The Dodgers’ annual open tryout will be held tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. MT (8:00 a.m. registration) on the minor league side of Camelback Ranch – Glendale. Those wishing to participate must not be enrolled in high school, on a collegiate roster or be under contract with any Major League club. Additional information is available on the Dodgers Scouting Hotline at 323-224-1512.

GIVING BACK: Following Friday’s game between the Dodgers and White Sox, Camelback Ranch-Glendale and the two clubs will host a clinic for youngsters from the Glendale Youth Project and Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix. 2014 marks the second year that the clubs have hosted a youth clinic during Spring Training and is just one of the many Camelback Ranch community initiatives, which include food drives, Home Runs for Life (honoring patients at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Phoenix Children’s Hospital) and a Read Across America Day event at Glendale’s Main Public Library. Dodger prospects Joc Pederson, Zach Lee and Jarret Martin will represent the club at Friday’s event.

AND THEY’RE OFF: The new 24-hour-a-day network of the Dodgers, SportsNet LA, premiered last night with original programming, including the live studio show “Access SportsNet: Dodgers,” the inaugural episode of “Backstage: Dodgers,” back-to-back “Connected With…” interview shows featuring Clayton Kershaw and Don Mattingly and a one-hour retrospective special about last year’s season.

• SNLA will televise all of this year’s Dodger Cactus League games, with the exception of two split-squad games, giving fans more Spring Training coverage than ever before. Vin Scully will call four Cactus League contests, including games today and Thursday.

(SportsNet LA on-air talent, Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

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Blog Kiosk: 2/10/2014 - Dodgers Links - Spring Training is Here!

Spring Training has finally begun.  As you know, pitchers and catchers reported on Saturday.  Pic above features youngsters Onelki Garcia, Jose Dominguez, Pedro Baez, Carlos Frias and Yimi Garcia; via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs shares his interview with Dodger Insider, Jon Weisman.
• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com has a whole bevy of reports worth reading.  Check out "Billingsley: 'I feel like I have a whole new arm'"

 "My arm hasn't felt this good in a few years. I feel like I have a whole new arm," Billingsley said on reporting day for Spring Training. "They keep telling me, don't throw 95 [mph] yet."

Then, read this: "Greinke weighs in on Kershaw's record deal"

"He's been so good, anything he gets you'd probably say he's worth. Maybe he got a little more than I thought, maybe a million a year more. The opt-out is big -- he'll only be 28 [actually 30]. That's the main reason you might say it will be better [for Kershaw]. I think it's pretty fair all the way around."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers Australia trip looms large as spring camp opens"

"He said when you come back that's the hardest part, trying to get ready for the season. It's not an ideal situation, travel-wise. But you just have to make it work," Kershaw said. "I want to go there and see the country, go over there and see Sydney. I'd love to go there on vacation. I don't really want to go pitch there, but that's what we're signed up to do so we're going to have to get ready to do it."

• Eric Stephen also tells us that AJ Ellis has lost 15 lbs.

"It's good to trim up and try to take some stress off my lower body. I want to catch 120-125 games this year and I want to be physically ready to do that," Ellis said. "You can't do that if you're not in great shape and able to withstand the physical grind of the position."

• BTW, according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times on twitter, both Kershaw and Greinke are expected to be the starts for the Dodgers in Australia.

#Dodgers plan to start Kershaw and Greinke in Australia games.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) February 8, 2014

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Appendectomy delays Elbert's elbow surgery rehab".
• Mark Langill at Dodger Insider tells us about a vintage Dodger Stadium give-away you wouldn't expect.
• Panini America is releasing a new Baseball card set, and it's something many of you old-tyme colelctors may remember.  In a couple of weeks they will release 2014's edition of Donruss.  Go here to see some preview pics.  Below are the Dodger cards.

• RJ at RBI Collecting shares his day at the Padres FanFest. David's Autograph Signings was there, too (Part 1, Part 2)

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2013 Panini Select Baseball - the Dodgers Base Cards

Before the end of the year, Panini America released their 2013 Select Baseball set.  For many of you older collectors, you likely remember this card brand.  The card set originally came out in 1992 and was produced by Score - later to be acquired by Donruss-Pinnacle.  If I'm not mistaken, they produced their last Select Baseball card set in 1998.  Now, Panini has decided to revive the brand in hopes of building some nostalgia. 

Select has a rather unusual base checklist.  The first 175 cards feature current, retired and rookie cards.  The 7 Dodger cards in that group are shown below.  The next 75 cards (#176 to #250) are all rookie autographed cards.  Since they are sequentially numbered with the non-autographed cards I decided to include them as a part of the base set.  There are 4 Dodger rookie autographed cards.  Unfortunately, the Hyun-Jin Ryu card (#250) is only available through a redemption.

#34 Matt Kemp                           #49 Adrian Gonzalez

#50 Brian Wilson                               #85 Clayton Kershaw

#124 Mike Piazza                                   #126 Yasiel Puig

#146 Matt Magill                                #212 Jose Dominguez

#240 Paco Rodriguez                      #243 Shawn Tolleson

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