Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 32/Home Game 17

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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L.A. Angels (16-8-6) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (13-15-3)
Friday, April 1, 2016 – 7:10 p.m. PT | Dodger Stadium
LHP Hector Santiago (1-0, 3.52) vs. RHP Kenta Maeda (1-1, 1.89)
TV: SNLA Radio: KLAC/KTNQ

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(Maeda bows with LLWS Champs from Japan, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

KONNICHIWA!: The Dodgers continue their three-game Freeway Series against the Angels tonight at Dodger Stadium, before heading to Anaheim for a 6:05 p.m. game Saturday (LHP Alex Wood vs. RHP Nick Tropeano) to conclude Spring Training. Tonight’s starter, Kenta Maeda, will make his first Dodger Stadium appearance in his final tune-up before the start of the season, after signing with the club during the offseason from Japan. After an off-day Sunday, the Dodgers kick off the regular season Monday against the Padres at PETCO Park.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 31/Home Game 16

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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L.A. Angels (15-8-6) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (13-14-3)
Thursday, March 31, 2016 – 7:10 p.m. PT | Dodger Stadium
LHP Andrew Heaney (1-0, 2.57) vs. LHP Scott Kazmir (0-1, 7.71)
TV: SNLA Radio: KLAC/KTNQ

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(Dodger Stadium, pic via AGon on twitter)

STADIUM FOR SORE EYES: The Dodgers are back at Dodger Stadium tonight for the first time since losing Game 5 of the NLDS on October 15, 2015 to the New York Mets. In addition to tonight’s game, the Dodgers and Angels will meet Friday (7:10 p.m., RHP Kenta Maeda vs. LHP Hector Santiago) at Dodger Stadium, with the series shifting to Anaheim for a 6:05 p.m. game Saturday (LHP Alex Wood vs. RHP Nick Tropeano). After an off-day Sunday, the Dodgers kick off the regular season on Monday against the Padres at PETCO Park.

Angels Exhibition Series Starts Tomorrow - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

Spring training is quickly coming to a close.  In fact, the very first homestand at Dodger Stadium begins tomorrow against the Anaheim Angels, and it represents the very last series of games before Opening Day. 

These games marks the return of the Dodger Stadium Express which offers two express services to Dodger Stadium: the Dodger Stadium Express Union Station and the Dodger Stadium Express South Bay.  Go here for information.

Also, for fans attending these games you should purchase advance parking passes online.  Advance parking prices are $10 and parking at the gate is $20. Go here for information.

BTW, the Dodgers 2016 yearbook will be available at stores.  Check out what it looks like on the right.

Below are various pregame events and activities planned for Thursday and Friday.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 30/Home Game 15

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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Cleveland Indians (14-12-4) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (13-13-3)
Wednesday, March 30, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. PT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale
RHP Corey Kluber (3-1, 2.21) vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw (2-0, 2.25)
TV: None Radio: None

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(Ross Stripling, pic via Jon SooHoo via Dodgers on twitter)

HOMEWARD BOUND: The Dodgers take on the Indians this afternoon in their final Cactus League contest before returning to Los Angeles for the Freeway Series against the Angels. The clubs will meet Thursday (7:10 p.m., LHP Scott Kazmir vs. LHP Andrew Heaney) and Friday (7:10 p.m., RHP Kenta Maeda vs. LHP Hector Santiago) at Dodger Stadium, with the series shifting to Anaheim for a 6:05 p.m. game Saturday (LHP Alex Wood vs. RHP Nick Tropeano). After an off-day Sunday, the Dodgers kick off the regular season on Monday against the Padres at PETCO Park – just five days away!

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 29/Home Game 16

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 (13-12-3) at San Diego Padres (8-19-2)
Tuesday, March 29, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. PT | Peoria Sports Complex
RHP Ross Stripling (1-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Colin Rea (0-0, 5.82)
TV: None Radio: None

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(Camelback Ranch, pic via Camelback Ranch on twitter)

ALMOST THERE: The Dodgers face the San Diego Padres for the second time this spring and their last road game in the Phoenix area. Los Angeles fell to the Padres, 12-5, March 20 at Camelback Ranch during a split-squad contest. Following today’s contest, the Dodgers have one game left at Camelback Ranch tomorrow, before beginning the Freeway Series Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 28/Home Game 14

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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Texas Rangers (16-11-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (12-12-3)
Monday, March 28, 2016 – 7:05 p.m. PT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale
LHP Derek Holland (3-1, 2.65) vs. LHP Alex Wood (0-2, 6.00)
TV: SNLA Radio: None

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(Gonzo and Joc, pic via Joc on twitter)

THE FINAL SPRINT: The Dodgers take on the Rangers in the second-to-last home date at Camelback Ranch this spring and the club’s final night game in Arizona. The Dodgers and Rangers tied, 3-3, all the way back on March 4 in Surprise. Following tonight’s contest, the Dodgers have two games left in the Phoenix area prior to the Freeway Series, which begins Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.

• Opening Day, April 4 against the Padres in San Diego, is just one week away!

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 24/Home Game 10

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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San Francisco Giants (9-15-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (10-10-3)
Friday, March 25, 2016 – 7:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch
LHP Clayton Blackburn (0-1, 4.38) vs. RHP Carlos Frias (0-0, 3.38)
TV: SNLA Radio: KLAC

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(Kershaw and Daughter, pic via Ellen Kershaw on twitter)

BABY STEPS: The Dodgers were unable to win for the first time since March 16 last night, but the silver lining is they didn’t lose either. Los Angeles scored three in the ninth and ended up tying the Cleveland Indians, 5-5, in Goodyear. The club is now 0-7-1 in its last eight contests. Clayton Kershaw made 96 pitches and allowed two runs on seven hits in 5.0 innings, as he prepares for his sixth consecutive Opening Day start. He fanned seven batters and walked three. At the plate, Justin Turner went 2-for-3 with a double, his fifth of the spring in just his sixth game, while AJ. Ellis, Yasiel Puig and Trayce Thompson also collected two hits apiece. Following Kershaw, Kenley Jansen, Chris Hatcher and Scott Barlow all worked a scoreless inning.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 23/Road Game 13

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 (10-10-2) at Cleveland Indians (11-10-2)
Thursday, March 24, 2016 – 7:05 p.m. MT | Goodyear Ballpark
LHP Clayton Kershaw (2-0, 1.80) vs. RHP Trevor Bauer (1-0, 4.00)
TV: SNLA Radio: None

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(AGon's new cleat, pic via AGon on twitter)

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 22/Road Game 12

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 (10-9-2) at Kansas City Royals (10-13)
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 – 6:05 p.m. MT | Surprise Stadium
LHP Alex Wood (0-1, 5.40) vs. RHP Chris Young (1-1, 5.63)
TV: SNLA & MLB Network (no blackout) Radio: None

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(Kenta Maeda, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

SNAP OUT OF IT!: The Dodgers, who have lost their last six games, look to snap their losing streak as they face the World Champion Kansas City Royals for the second time this spring at Surprise Stadium this evening. Yesterday, the Dodgers fell to the Mariners at Camelback Ranch, 6-3, despite third baseman Justin Turner going 3-for-3 with a homer, two doubles and three RBI. Turner is now 7-for-12 (.583) with four doubles, five runs scored and four RBI in just five Cactus League games this spring. On the mound, starter Kenta Maeda was solid, allowing two runs and four hits in 5.0 innings while striking out five. In four starts this spring, Maeda has posted a 1.32 ERA (2 ER/13.2 IP) and limited opposing hitters to a .216 average with 14 strikeouts. Additionally, Dodger mainstays Chris Hatcher (0.2 IP), J.P. Howell (0.2 IP), Yimi Garcia (1.1) and Kenley Jansen (1.0) all tossed scoreless baseball. 

• The Dodgers are playing the Royals for the second time this spring, following last Thursday’s 5-1 loss at Camelback Ranch. The two clubs last met in the regular season during the 2014 campaign, when Los Angeles took two of three in Kansas City.

GET WELL SOON: Today, the Dodgers announced that outfielder Andre Ethier sustained a right tibia fracture and will miss the next 10-14 weeks.

(Turner and AGON, pic via MLB on twitter)

NO MINOR THING: Several minor leaguers will be suiting up for the Dodgers, including right-handed pitchers Red Patterson (#89), Logan Bawcom (88) and Felipe Gonzalez (91), left-handed pitcher Dustin Richardson (94), catcher Jack Murphy (60), infielders Adam Law (0), Brandon Trinkwon (69) and Willie Calhoun (84) and outfielder Alex Verdugo (90).

MORE ROSTER MOVES: Following yesterday’s game, the Dodgers reassigned infielder Brandon Hicks, catcher Shawn Zarraga, outfielder Corey Brown and infielder/outfielder Cody Bellinger to minor league camp. The Dodgers now have 42 players in big-league camp, excluding Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas, who are on the 60-day DL.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• LHP Alex Wood will make his third start of the spring, after allowing one run in 3.0 innings Thursday against the Royals. The 25-year-old left-hander posted career numbers last season, winning a career-high 12 games (12-12) in 32 combined starts, while posting a 3.84 ERA.
• RHP Louis Coleman is expected to make his seventh Cactus League outing (0 ER/6.0 IP), last pitching 1.0 scoreless inning of relief against the White Sox. Coleman has given up just two hits and no runs thus far. He enters his first season with the Dodgers after signing with the club on Feb. 19, 2016.
• RHP Pedro Baez will pitch in his seventh game of the spring, after tossing 1.0 scoreless frame against San Diego. He went 4-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 52 relief appearances last season.
• LHP Adam Liberatore will take the mound for the eighth time this spring (2 ER/6.1 IP), after most recently striking out the one and only batter he faced Sunday against Milwaukee. Liberatore saw his first big league action last season with the Dodgers, going 2-2 with a 4.25 ERA in 39 games.
• LHP Luis Avilan will pitch in his seventh Cactus League game, last pitching .1 of an inning against Seattle Monday. He combined to go 2-5 with a 4.05 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 73 relief appearances for the Braves and the Dodgers last season.

(Justin Turner, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 21/Home Game 10

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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Seattle Mariners (9-11-2) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (10-8-2)
Monday, March 21, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch
RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (2-0, 5.87) vs. RHP Kenta Maeda (1-0, 0.00)
TV: None Radio: None

Here’s how the #Dodgers & #Mariners will start today’s game. We’ll get you highlights & analysis at 7PM tonight. pic.twitter.com/umqG65vRH8

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 21, 2016

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(Kenley Jansen, pic via Jon SooHoo on twitter)

IT’S ONLY SPRING: The Dodgers, who have lost their last five games, look to snap their losing streak as they face the Seattle Mariners for the second time this spring at Camelback Ranch. Los Angeles, which played split-squad games yesterday, fell to both the Padres at home, 12-5, and to the Brewers at Maryvale, 3-1. In the home game, minor leaguer Jeremy Kehrt made his first start and appearance of Spring Training, after scheduled starter Mike Bolsinger was scratched prior to the game. Kehrt allowed six runs on nine hits in 1.1 innings of work and recorded the loss,  while Corey Brown drove in two runs on a single during a four-run sixth inning. Over in Maryvale, Scott Kazmir made his third Cactus League start, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits in 4.0 innings and took the loss. At the plate, Charlie Culberson slugged his second homer of the spring with a solo shot in the fifth inning to collect the only run for the Dodgers.

• The Dodgers are playing the Mariners for the second time this spring after beating the M’s, 8-4, on March 12 at Peoria. Los Angeles swept Seattle in a three-game series at Dodger Stadium last year in their only meetings of the 2015 season.

(AGon, pic via @WBC on twitter)

VIVA MEXICO!: The Dodgers would like to congratulate Adrian Gonzalez and Team Mexico on its 12-1 win in last night’s WBC qualifier against Nicaragua in Mexicali, punching the ticket to the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Gonzalez finished the night going 2-for-3 with a run scored and a walk. He returns to the Dodger lineup in today’s contest against the Mariners, making the start at first base and batting cleanup.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!: The Dodgers would like to wish Frankie Montas a very happy birthday, as he turns 23 today! The right-handed pitcher was acquired from the White Sox in December in a three-team trade and appeared in seven games (two starts) with Chicago last year in his first Major League appearances, going 0-2 with a 4.80 ERA. 

ROSTER MOVES: Prior to yesterday’s game, the Dodgers optioned right-handed pitcher Zach Lee to minor-league camp. The Dodgers have 46 players in big-league camp, excluding Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas, who are on the 60-day DL.

ON THE AIR: The Dodger game on Sunday, March 27 against the Cincinnati Reds will be heard on AM 1150 in Los Angeles instead of AM 570 due to a scheduling conflict.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• RHP Kenta Maeda will face off against fellow Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma of Seattle in his fourth start of the spring (0 ER/8.2 IP). Maeda last pitched March 15 when he allowed two unearned runs in 3.2 innings of work against the White Sox. The 27-year-old right-hander was signed to an eight-year contract on Jan. 7 following eight professional seasons with the Hiroshima Carp (2008-15) in which he compiled a 97-67 record with a 2.39 ERA in 218 games (217 starts). During the course of his Japanese career, Maeda won two Sawamura Awards (2010, 2015), given to the league’s best pitcher.
• LHP J.P. Howell will pitch in his sixth game this spring, after tossing 1.0 scoreless inning Saturday against the White Sox. Howell finished the 2015 season with a 6-1 record with one save and tossed scoreless relief in 59 of 65 appearances.
• RHP Kenley Jansen will make his sixth relief appearance, after most recently pitching 1.0 inning Saturday against the White Sox. Jansen enters his seventh big league season after successfully converting 36 of 38 save opportunities last year, the third- highest single-season save percentage in team history (Gagne: 2003-100.0%, 2004-95.7%).
• RHP Louis Coleman is expected to make his seventh Cactus League outing (0 ER/6.0 IP), last pitching 1.0 scoreless inning of relief against the White Sox. Coleman has given up just two hits and no runs thus far. He enters his first season with the Dodgers after signing with the club on Feb. 19, 2016.

(Kershaw & Maeda, pic via Jon SooHoo on twitter)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 17/Road Game 9

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 (10-4-2) at Arizona Diamondbacks (12-4-1)
Friday, March 18, 2016 – 1:10 p.m. MT | Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
RHP Brandon Beachy (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Zack Godley (0-0, 7.20)
TV: None Radio: AM 570 (English)

Today's Dodger lineup:
Ethier LF
Kendrick 2B
Turner 3B
Utley 1B
Puig RF
Grandal C
Hernandez SS
Thompson CF
Beachy P

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 18, 2016

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(Alex Wood, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

MOVING FORWARD: The Dodgers, who are back on the road today, will take on the Diamondbacks in their last match-up of the spring at Salt River Fields. Los Angeles fell to the World Champion Kansas City Royals in yesterday’s contest, a 5-1 defeat at Camelback Ranch. At the plate, Joc Pederson doubled in the first inning and then was driven in by a Scott Van Slyke double to record the lone run for the Dodgers. On the mound, Alex Wood allowed just one run on four hits in 3.0 innings in his second start of the spring and Kenley Jansen, Louis Coleman and Pedro Baez each tossed a scoreless inning of relief, while Ross Stripling recorded four strikeouts in two scoreless frames.

(Van Slyke, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

• The Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks, 7-2, in their last meeting on March 5 at Camelback Ranch.
• Los Angeles, who will host Arizona in its home regular-season opener on April 12, took the 2015 season series from the Diamondbacks, 13-6.

LIGHTING’EM UP: The Dodger offense has been clicking on all cylinders this spring, ranking among the National League clubs in slugging percentage .482 (2nd), batting average .283 (3rd) and on-base percentage (T-3rd). Individually, Scott Van Slyke ranks among the NL’s best in average (.414, 2nd), home runs (3, T-8th), on-base percentage (.500, T-3rd) and slugging percentage (.828, 3rd), while Austin Barnes and Rob Segedin are tied for second with four Spring Training homers.

(Agon at WBC, pic via WBC on twitter)

VIVA MEXICO!: The Dodgers would like to congratulate Adrian Gonzalez and Team Mexico on its 2-1 win in last night’s WBC qualifier against the Czech Republic! Gonzalez finished the night going 0-for-1 with three walks and a run scored. Dodger great Fernando Valenzuela, who served as a pitching coach for Team Mexico in the 2006, 2009 and 2013 World Baseball Classics, tournaments, threw the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game in Mexicali. Team Mexico will face Nicaragua on Friday at Mexicali.

TRIMMING THE ROOM: The Dodgers made their second cuts of the spring after yesterday’s game, optioning INF Micah Johnson, RHP Yaisel Sierra, RHP Ross Stripling and LHP Ian Thomas, while reassigning RHP Jose De Leon, LHP Julio Urias and C Jack Murphy to minor-league camp. The Dodgers have 47 players in big-league camp, excluding Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas, who are on the 60-day DL.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• RHP Brandon Beachy will make his second start of the spring, throwing 3.0 scoreless frames against the Cubs March 12. Beachy, who has appeared in two games thus far during Spring Training, has yet to give up a run in 5.0 innings of work. He made two starts with the Dodgers in 2015 after being reinstated from the 60-day disabled list, before being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City where he went 1-1 with a 3.64 ERA in 10 games (nine starts).
• RHP Yimi Garcia will make his sixth appearance, last pitching Wednesday against the Rockies, allowing one run in an inning of relief. He ranked among the NL’s best relievers in WHIP (0.95, 5th), opponents’ batting average (.199, 16th), opponents’ on-base percentage (.242, 4th) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.60, 3rd).
• LHP Adam Liberatore will appear in his sixth Cactus League game, after tossing a perfect inning Wednesday against Colorado. Liberatore saw his first big league action last season with the Dodgers, going 2-2 with a 4.25 ERA in 39 games.
• LHP Luis Avilan will appear in his fifth game of the spring, after striking out the only batter he faced against the White Sox Tuesday. He combined to go 2-5 with a 4.05 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 73 relief appearances for the Braves and the Dodgers last season.
• RHP Jamey Wright has thrown 3.1 innings of work in four outings this spring (6 ER), last pitching Tuesday against the White Sox. Wright, a 19-year MLB veteran, last pitched in the Majors in 2014, going 5-4 with a 4.35 ERA in 61 appearances with the Dodgers.

(Kiké Hernandez, pic via Dodgers tumblr)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 16/Home 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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Kansas City Royals (7-10) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (10-3-2)
Thursday, March 17, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch
RHP Kris Medlen (0-1, 5.40) vs. LHP Alex Wood (0-1, 9.00)
TV: None Radio: AM 570 (English)

Here are the #Royals & #Dodgers starting lineups. Watch ‘Access SportsNet’ for all the latest news tonight at 7PM. pic.twitter.com/4nA1kCB6iz

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 17, 2016

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(Kiké Hernandez, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

(Pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

GET YOUR GREEN ON: The Dodgers, winners of four of their last five games, take on the World Champion Kansas City Royals today at Camelback Ranch in the first of two Cactus League meetings between the clubs. Yesterday, Los Angeles improved to 10-3-2, tied for the second-best record of any MLB team this spring, with a 7-3 win over the Rockies. Yasiel Puig hit his first homer of the spring and Shawn Zarraga went 2-for-2 with an RBI to raise his batting average to .533. On the mound, Zach Lee allowed one run in 3.0 innings in his third start of the spring and Julio Urias picked up the win in relief.

• In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the Dodgers will wear special green hats and jerseys with green script for today’s game.



(Zach Lee, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

• The Dodgers and Royals last met during the regular season in 2014 in Kansas City, when Los Angeles took two of three games. Kansas City holds a 4-5 advantage in the all-time series.

O’FFENSE: The Dodger offense has been clicking on all cylinders this spring, ranking second among NL clubs with a .292 batting average, a .361 on-base percentage and a .498 slugging percentage. Individually, Scott Van Slyke ranks among the NL’s best in average (.385, T-5th), home runs (3, T-6th), on-base percentage (.484, 4th) and slugging percentage (.808, 5th), while Austin Barnes and Rob Segedin are tied for second with four Spring Training homers.

(Puig's Home Run Trot, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

LUCK OF THE IRISH: Good luck to Adrian Gonzalez and Team Mexico in their WBC qualifier tonight against the Czech Republic! Dodger great Fernando Valenzuela, who served as a pitching coach for Team Mexico in the 2006, 2009 and 2013 World Baseball Classic tournaments, will throw a ceremonial first pitch prior to the game in Mexicali.

MARCH MADNESS: There’s always buzz in camp for the start of the NCAA basketball tournament, but more so this year with many of the players’ schools making the field of 68. A.J. Ellis’ Austin Peay Governors and Chris Hatcher’s UNC Wilmington Seahawks will look to be this year’s Cinderella squads against powerhouses Kansas and Duke, respectively, while Yasmani Grandal’s Miami Hurricanes, Micah Johnson’s Indiana Hoosiers, Ross Stripling’s Texas A&M Aggies, Joe Blanton’s Kentucky Wildcats, Ian Thomas’ VCU Rams and J.P. Howell’s Texas Longhorns hope for deep tournament runs.

(Dodgers St. Patrick's Cap, pic via David Vassegh on twitter)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 15/Home 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.

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Colorado Rockies (8-6) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (9-3-2)

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale

RHP Chad Bettis (0-2, 2.77) vs. RHP Zach Lee (1-0, 2.89)

TV: None Radio: None

Today's Dodger lineup:
Ethier LF
Kendrick DH
Turner 3B
Utley 2B
Puig RF
Grandal C
Van Slyke 1B
Pederson CF
Herrera SS
(Lee P)

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 16, 2016

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(Sky over Camelback, pic taken and shared by Alanna Rizzo on twitter)

STREAK SNAPPED: The Dodgers lost to their Camelback Ranch neighbors, the White Sox, yesterday, 8-6, snapping a four-game Cactus League winning streak. Joc Pederson went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, raising his spring average to .318, and the Dodgers clubbed four home runs, one each by Andre Ethier, Kike Hernandez, Austin Barnes and Rob Segedin.  On the mound, Kenta Maeda allowed two unearned runs in 3.2 frames and Chris Hatcher tossed a scoreless inning.

• The Dodgers beat the Rockies, 6-4, at Salt River Field on Sunday. Last year, Los Angeles was 11-8 against the Rox, including 7-3 at Dodger Stadium.

BARNESTORMING: Dodger catcher/infielder Austin Barnes hit his fourth home run of the spring yesterday, temporarily taking over sole possession of the team lead until Rob Segedin came up in the 9th inning and blasted his fourth. Overall, the Dodgers’ 20 home runs are tied with Arizona for third in the Cactus League, trailing just the White Sox (26) and Cubs (22). The club’s offense has been clicking on all cylinders this spring, ranking second among NL clubs in batting average (.293), on-base percentage (.362) and slugging percentage (.503), behind only Arizona. Individually, Scott Van Slyke (.417, 3rd), Austin Barnes (.375, 6th) and Micah Johnson (.357, T-8th) rank among the NL leaders in batting average.

(AJ Ellis, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

• On the mound, Dodger All-Star Clayton Kershaw’s 10.0 innings pitched is tied with Cincinnati’s Brandon Finnegan for the most in baseball this spring while his 10 strikeouts are tied for second among NL clubs.  

DOING WORK: The Dodgers are inviting the Los Angeles community to meet more than 100 employers and pursue nearly 3,000 job opportunities available Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 21st annual Community Job Fair at Dodger Stadium. Those interested in attending should register by visiting: https://lajobfair2016.eventbrite.com.

TRIMMING THE ROOM: On Monday, the Dodgers made their first cuts of the spring, optioning RHP Jharel Cotton and reassigning RHP Lisalverto Bonilla, RHP Chase De Jong, RHP Caleb Dirks, RHP Jacob Rhame, RHP Chris Anderson, OF Alex Hassan and C Kyle Farmer to minor league camp. The Dodgers have 54 players in big league camp, excluding Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas, who are on the 60-day DL.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• RHP Zach Lee will make his third start of the spring, after tossing 3.0 innings against the Angels on Friday. Lee, 24, saw his first big league action last season, starting at New York-NL on July 25, and was named the Dodgers’ Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher of the Year after combining to go 13-6 with a 2.63 ERA in 21 starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and the Rookie-level AZL Dodgers. Lee ranked among the Triple-A Pacific Coast League leaders in wins (11, T-3rd), ERA (2.70, 2nd), WHIP (1.11, 1st), strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.26, 3rd) and home runs allowed per 9.0 innings (0.40, 3rd).
• LHP Julio Urias will make his second appearance, after making his spring debut Friday against the Angels. The 19-year-old, who was the Dodgers’ 2014 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, combined to go 3-5 with a 3.81 ERA in 18 starts last year, primarily with Double-A Tulsa before a late-season promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Urias also made several rehab starts last year with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and the Rookie-level AZL Dodgers following cosmetic surgery on his left eye, which cost him two months of the season on the DL. Urias enters the 2016 season rated by MLB.com as the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball and the fourth-best overall prospect.
• RHP Carlos Frias is expected to pitch in his fourth game of the spring, after making his first start on Saturday against the Mariners. He enters his third big league season after going 5-5 with a 4.06 ERA in 17 games (13 starts) with the Dodgers last season.
• RHP Yimi Garcia will make a relief appearance for the fifth time this spring, after his fourth straight scoreless outing against the Rockies on Sunday. He ranked among the NL’s best relievers in WHIP (0.95, 5th), opponents’ batting average (.199, 16th), opponents’ on-base percentage (.242, 4th) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.60, 3rd).
• LHP Adam Liberatore will appear in his fifth game, after most recently throwing a scoreless frame against the Rockies. Liberatore saw his first big league action last season with the Dodgers, going 2-2 with a 4.25 ERA in 39 games.
• RHP Matt West will come on in relief for the fifth time, last pitching 1.0 inning against the Rockies and striking out two. He tossed 3.0 scoreless innings in two relief appearances with the Dodgers after being acquired from the Blue Jays last year

(Kiké enjoying tacos brought by AGon, pic via Kiké on twitter)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 14/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 (9-2-2) at Chicago White Sox (6-6-1)
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale
RHP Kenta Maeda (1-0, 0.00) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (1-0, 4.15)
TV: None Radio: None

Today's Dodger lineup:
Hernandez SS
Kendrick DH
Gonzalez 1B
Van Slyke RF
Ethier LF
Utley 3B
Ellis C
Pederson CF
Barnes 2B
(Maeda P)

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 15, 2016

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(Mike Bolsinger, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

WINNING TIME: Los Angeles takes on the White Sox today as the designated “road” team at Camelback Ranch after winning its fourth consecutive game yesterday, 6-2, over the Brewers. Micah Johnson had three hits to raise his batting average to .370 and Trayce Thompson blasted a three-run homer in the Dodgers’ five-run first-inning rally. Mike Bolsinger tossed 4.0 scoreless frames to pick up the win and J.P. Howell, Pedro Baez and Louis Coleman each tossed a scoreless inning of relief.

• The Dodgers beat the White Sox, 6-1, in both teams’ Cactus League opener on March 3.
• Scott Kazmir pitched 5.0 simulated innings in a “B” game against the White Sox yesterday, with Cody Bellinger, Yasmani Grandal and Kyle Farmer also seeing action against Chicago starter Chris Sale.

(Joc beat Puig again, pic via Puig on twitter)

GETTING OFFENSIVE: The Dodger offense has been clicking on all cylinders this spring, ranking second among NL clubs in batting average (.296), on-base percentage (.366) and slugging percentage (.492), behind only Arizona. Individually, Scott Van Slyke (.409, 3rd), Austin Barnes (.381, T-4th) and Micah Johnson (.370, 6th) rank among the NL leaders in batting average, while Van Slyke, Barnes and Rob Segedin are tied for fourth with three spring home runs apiece.

HAPPY DAYS: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to Trayce Thompson, who turns 25 today! Thompson, who is in his first season with the Dodgers after being acquired from the White Sox in an offseason trade, celebrated his big day with a three-run homer in the first inning yesterday against the Brewers.

HOPEFULLY A SCREWBALL: On Thursday, Dodger great Fernando Valenzuela will throw the ceremonial first pitch prior to Team Mexico’s game vs. the Czech Republic in its World Baseball Classic qualifier in Mexicali. Valenzuela served as a pitching coach for Team Mexico in the 2006, 2009 and 2013 World Baseball Classic tournaments.

• Adrian Gonzalez will play for Team Mexico and will leave Dodger camp tomorrow for the WBC qualifiers March 17-20.

(Big Heads, pic via Camelback Ranch on twitter)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 13/Home Game 6

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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Milwaukee Brewers (6-5-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (8-2-2)
Monday, March 14, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch
RHP Mike Bolsinger (0-0, 3.60) vs. RHP Wily Peralta (1-0, 7.36)
TV: None Radio: None

Today's Dodger lineup:
Johnson 2B
Puig RF
Turner 3B
Gonzalez 1B
Barnes C
Guerrero DH
Thompson CF
Culberson SS
Noel LF
(Bolsinger P)

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 14, 2016

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(Clayton Kershaw, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

ON A ROLL: The Dodgers (8-2-2) return to Camelback Ranch today to face the Brewers after beating the Rockies, 6-4, yesterday at Salt River Field. Los Angeles took an early lead in yesterday’s contest, scoring all six of their runs in the first three innings. Starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw recorded his second victory of the spring, allowing just two hits in five scoreless innings along with three strikeouts. Relievers Yimi Garcia (1.0 IP) and Adam Liberatore (1.0) each tossed scoreless innings, while Matt West (1.0) collected his first save of Spring Training. At the plate, Scott Van Slyke blasted a solo shot in the second inning to record his third Cactus League home run. Cody Bellinger went 2-for-2 with two doubles and two RBI, while Joc Pederson also drove in two runs, going 1-for-4.

• The Dodgers took the 2015 season series from Milwaukee, 4-3.

GETTING OFFENSIVE: The Dodger offense has been clicking on all cylinders this spring, leading the National League with a .372 on-base percentage, while ranking second among NL clubs with both a .302 batting average and a .501 slugging percentage. Individually, Scott Van Slyke has put up a .409/.500/.909 slashline, while his three Cactus League home runs are tied for second with teammates Austin Barnes and Rob Segedin along with Colorado’s Trevor Story. Charlie Culberson is tied for third in the Cactus League with eight RBI.

(Cody Bellinger, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

WELCOME BACK, JUSTIN!: Dodger third baseman Justin Turner will make his first appearance of the spring in today’s game, batting third and making the start at the hot corner. Turner, who had offseason knee surgery, will likely play four or five innings. 

• The Dodgers would also like to welcome Eric Karros, who arrived in Camelback Ranch this morning and will serve as a guest coach. The 1992 NL Rookie of the Year played 12 seasons for the Dodgers (1991-2002) and is the all-time home run leader in Los Angeles Dodger history with 270 bombs.

1“B” GAME: The Dodgers and White Sox played a “B” game today at 10:00 a.m. on the White Sox’s Field 1. Left-hander Scott Kazmir made the start for the Dodgers, while Yasmani Grandal, Kyle Farmer and Cody Bellinger participated in the game.  

MR. WORLDWIDE: Major League Baseball has announced details for the Panama City and Mexicali WBC qualifiers for the 2017 classic. Dodger first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will play for his brother, Edgar, on Team Mexico from March 17-20 in Mexicali. In addition, Dodger legend Eric Gagné will manage Team France as they try to advance in their qualifier against Spain, Colombia and Panama.

(pic via Miracle League LA on twitter)

FEATURED STORY: The Dodgers will be spotlighted on MLB Network’s “30 teams in 30 days” program today. In addition to interviews with Dodger manager Dave Roberts and President, Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, MLB hosts Sean Casey and Matt Vasgersian will talk to numerous Dodgers and conduct a fielding demonstration with Adrian Gonzalez.   Dodger CEO Stan Kasten will also call in for an interview with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.

BUSINESS LEADERS: The Dodgers and leading global agency R/GA were named a finalist for the Sports Business Journal’s Sports Business Awards category for Sports Breakthrough of the Year. The nominees for all awards were announced this morning and the winners will be announced at the event to be held in New York on May 18.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• RHP Mike Bolsinger will make his first start of the spring against the Brewers, after allowing two runs in 5.0 innings of relief thus far. He went 6-6 with a 3.62 ERA in 21 starts in his first season with the Dodgers in 2015.
• RHP Louis Coleman will appear in his fourth Cactus League game, after throwing 3.0 scoreless frames with five strikeouts in his first three appearances. Coleman enters his first season with the Dodgers after signing with the club on Feb. 19, 2016.
• RHP Pedro Baez will make his fourth appearance of the spring, after most recently throwing a scoreless inning against the Angels. Baez went 4-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 52 relief appearances last season.
• LHP J.P. Howell will come on in relief for the third time this spring, after striking out two batters in an inning of relief against the Angels. He finished the 2015 season with a 6-1 record with one save and tossed scoreless relief in 59 of 65 appearances.
• RHP Jamey Wright will make his fourth appearance of the spring, after allowing two runs in 1.0 inning of relief against the Cubs on Saturday. Wright, a 19-year MLB veteran, last pitched in the Majors in 2014, going 5-4 with a 4.35 ERA in 61 appearances with the Dodgers.RHP Kenley Jansen is expected to make his third Cactus League appearance following a scoreless outing against the Angels on Friday. He enters his seventh big league season after successfully converting 36 of 38 save opportunities last year, the third-highest single-season save percentage in team history (Gagne: 2003-100.0%, 2004-95.7%).

(The Victory Line, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

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Riding the Rails with a Dodgers Boxcar

Choo-Choo!

I love trains.  So, when I found out a buddy of mine was given his father's entire collection of model trains I went bonkers.  I immediately demanded he set it up around his house.  Then, gleefully took over the controls like I was Casey Jones.  This past summer he set up that train set all over his backyard, and we spent the afternoon riding the rails; while directing his wife to grab us some beers.

That was a good time... And yeah, I feel no shame for my childlike behavior.  It was a blast, after all... And dammit!  When you're middle aged it's okay to live like a child from time to time.

So, when I got word of the item I'm featuring in this post I knew I had to share it.  Lionel, the leading maker of toy and model trains, will be producing made-to-order MLB Spring Training boxcars, and eight different teams are available:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox
• Chicago Cubs
• Chicago White Sox
• Detroit Tigers
• Kansas City Royals
• Los Angeles Dodgers
• New York Yankees

For now, you can only get them via pre-order, and only from Lionel dealers.  Go here to find one near you.  MSRP is $84.99 each, but I've seen lower prices online.  (Here's one seller called The Train Shop) From what I understand, they will be shipped out in April, and they are only being made to-order.  Per a press release:

The new MLB™ Spring Training boxcars are perfect for the baseball fanatic or train enthusiast. These boxcars are Made in the USA of US and Imported Parts, and feature die-cast metal sprung trucks and operating couplers. The Spring Training boxcars will run on a traditional O Gauge track, and are the perfect addition to any layout or man cave.

• Made in the USA of U.S. and Imported Parts
• Die-cast metal sprung trucks and operating couplers
• Opening boxcar doors
• Metal frame
• Gauge: Traditional O Gauge
• Min Curve: 027
• Dimensions: 10 ½” long

BTW, my buddy's wife never did get us those beers.  Instead, she bellowed, "get them you're damn self!"

So we did, and we had a blast.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 9/Home 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.

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L.A. ANGELS (3-6-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-1-2)
Friday, March 11, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch
RHP Zach Lee (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Nick Tropeano (0-0, 0.00)
TV: None Radio: KLAC

Lineups for today’s #DodgersST game are in. We’ll have highlights & reaction on ‘Access SportsNet’ tonight at 7pm. pic.twitter.com/nyZgt2b8UU

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 11, 2016

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(Kenta Maeda, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

GETTING THE “W”: The Dodgers pounced on A’s starter Rich Hill yesterday, plating five runs in the first inning on their way to an 8-3 victory. Trayce Thompson’s first-inning home run was the big blow and catcher A.J. Ellis went 2-for-3 with three RBI. On the mound, Kenta Maeda collected his first victory of the Cactus League campaign after firing 3.0 scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Yimi Garcia (1.0 IP), Chris Anderson (1.0) and Matt West (1.0) also tossed scoreless baseball yesterday.   

• The Dodgers took five of their six regular-season games against the Angels last season, sweeping a series at Dodger Stadium and taking two of three in Anaheim.

(AGon, pic via his own tweet)

VIVA MEXICO: Yesterday, Major League Baseball announced details for the Panama City and Mexicali WBC qualifiers for the 2017 classic. Dodger first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will play for his brother, Edgar, on team Mexico from March 17-20 in Mexicali. Germany, the Czech Republic and Nicaragua are the other squads in Mexico’s qualifier.

• In addition, Dodger legend Eric Gagné will manage team France as they try to advance in their qualifier against Spain, Colombia and Panama.   

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETEY!: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to reliever Pedro Baez, who turns 28 today.  The hard-throwing right-hander appeared in 52 games for the Dodgers last season, compiling an ERA of 3.35 and striking out 60 batters in 51.0 innings.

IN CASE YOU HADN’T NOTICED: The Dodgers announced Wednesday that the game on Monday, May 30 in Chicago against the Cubs is scheduled to start at 4:05 PM CT/ 2:05 PM PT. The day before, the Dodgers take on the NL champion Mets at Citi Field at 8:05 p.m. ET on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• RHP Zach Lee will make his second start of the spring after allowing one hit and striking out one in 2.0 scoreless innings on Sunday against the Giants in Scottsdale. Lee, 24, saw his first big league action last season, starting at New York-NL on July 25, and was named the Dodgers’ Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher of the Year after combining to go 13-6 with a 2.63 ERA in 21 starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and the Rookie-level AZL Dodgers. Lee ranked among the Triple-A Pacific Coast League leaders in wins (11, T-3rd), ERA (2.70, 2nd), WHIP (1.11, 1st), strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.26, 3rd) and home runs allowed per 9.0 innings (0.40, 3rd).
• LHP Julio Urias will make his first appearance of the spring after being slowed early in camp by a left groin injury. The 19-year-old, who was the Dodgers’ 2014 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, combined to go 3-5 with a 3.81 ERA in 18 starts last year, primarily with Double-A Tulsa before a late-season promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Urias also made several rehab starts last year with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and the Rookie-level AZL Dodgers following cosmetic surgery on his left eye, which cost him two months of the season on the DL. Urias enters the 2016 season rated by MLB.com as the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball and the fourth-best overall prospect.
• RHP Pedro Baez will make his third appearance of the spring. Baez saw his first full big league action last season with the Dodgers, going 4-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 52 relief appearances.
• RHP Louis Coleman will make his third Cactus League appearance after facing the Rangers and Indians. Coleman enters his first season with the Dodgers after signing with the club on Feb. 19, 2016.
• LHP J.P. Howell will come on in relief for the second time this spring after one outing against the Indians. He finished the 2015 season posting a 6-1 record with one save and tossed scoreless relief in 59 of 65 appearances.
• RHP Kenley Jansen is expected to make a relief appearance for the second time after allowing one run in 1.0 inning of work against the Indians. He enters his seventh big league season after successfully converting 36 of 38 save opportunities last year, the third-highest single-season save percentage in team history (Gagne: 2003-100.0%, 2004-95.7%).
• RHP Jacob Rhame will make his third Cactus League outing. He combined to go 3-3 with four saves and a 2.68 ERA in 44 relief appearances last season with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Tulsa.
• LHP Ian Thomas will pitch in his second game of the spring after 1.0 scoreless inning against the Indians. A 2015 mid-season acquisition from the Atlanta Braves, he made nine relief appearances (one start) for the Dodgers going 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA.

(Julio Urias, pic via @MLB on twitter)

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