Russell Martin underwent an MRI this morning to deal with "soreness in his lower right abdomen", per Tony Jackson of ESPN, and will likely rest for a few days. However, it might not be too serious. "Hopefully it will get better with a little rest," said manager Joe Torre, "It couldn't be that bad if he's felt it for a few days and thought it was part of Spring Training soreness." Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times reported Martin would be examined tonight by team doctor Neal ElAttrache.
On the field today, the Dodgers lost their home opener, 8-4 to the White Sox. Fifth starter candidates each Eric Stults and Russ Ortiz each pitched two scoreless innings, and according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, "were so efficient in their innings, both went down to the bullpen to make another 15 throws to build their endurance." Fellow fifth starter candidate James McDonald didn't fare as well, allowing three runs on five hits in his two innings. He didn't pitch badly at first, getting dinked and dunked, but he did struggle. Torre noted McDonald was having trouble locating his off-speed pitches, which led to trouble throwing strikes.
Manny Ramirez had two more hits, and is now hitting .800, which I believe would be a record. Blake DeWitt filled in for Manny at designated hitter in the fifth inning, and added a hit and a walk himself, capping a perfect day for Dodger DHs.
Eric Gagne made his spring debut, even entering to "Welcome to the Jungle" at Camelback Ranch, but he didn't recapture the old magic just yet, giving up a pair of runs in his inning of work. Gagne, who recently underwent Lasik surgery, no longer wears goggles on the mound. It is almost as jarring seeing him out there as it was to see Casey Blake without his beard.
There is an 80% chance of rain tomorrow in Mesa, where the Dodgers are headed to play the Cubs. Gurnick reports "of the seven known position starters, none are expected to make the trip." Scheduled to pitch for the Dodgers are Clayton Kershaw, Josh Towers, Carlos Monasterios, Ramon Troncoso, Travis Schlichting, and Armando Zerpa. Tom Gorzelanny, battling for a spot in the Cubs' rotation, is scheduled to start for Chicago.