Then There Were Three...

We are getting closer to that light at the end of the tunnel, as the MLB ownership committee approved the three remaining ownership groups per Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

The auction will begin tomorrow, with Frank McCourt ultimately choosing between the group of Magic Johnson and Stan Kasten, the group of Steve Cohen and Arn Tellem, and Stan Kroenke.

Today's Game

The Dodgers fell 6-5 to the Padres on a two-run walkoff double by Ben Davis in the bottom of the ninth, off Francisco Felix. Here is a brief recap of today's news and notes:

• Ted Lilly's neck stiffness is improving, but not at a rapid pace. "He's better, but he's not significantly better," said manager Don Mattingly.
• Andre Ethier, who has hit one triple over the last two seasons combined, hit his third triple of the spring on Tuesday. Ethier has 13 extra-base hits in 42 plate appearances this spring.
• Mark Ellis made a few nice plays in the field at second base today, and when asked about his second baseman Mattingly said, "I think of him as bread and butter. You don't really notice him, he just makes all the plays."
• Juan Rivera hit his team-leading fourth home run, a solo shot off Padres starter Casey Kelly in the fourth inning.
• In workouts this morning, both Jerry Hairston Jr. and Josh Fields threw from the outfield. Hairston is expected to at least occasionally play the outfield, though he has yet to see an inning in the outfield this spring. Fields is primarily a first and third baseman but could possibly see time in the outfield as an emergency should he win the final bench spot. "I wouldn't mind seeing him out there a few innings," said Mattingly of Fields.
• Adam Kennedy, who suffered a slight right groin strain on Sunday, hit in the cages today and will probably be kept out of any games through at least Wednesday as a precaution.
  
• Matt Guerrier is believed to be past his back issues that kept him sidelined for about a week. His next outing will be on the minor league side, then he will likely pitch in a few major league spring games. "We're counting on him to be ready opening day," Mattingly said.
• Old friend Casey Blake was released by the Rockies on Wednesday. "No one taught me the importance of clubhouse chemistry and quiet leadership the way Casey Blake did," tweeted former teammate A.J. Ellis. "What a Pro!!"

Up Next

The Dodgers head to Scottsdale on Wednesday to face the San Francisco Giants, with Nathan Eovaldi getting the start. Yusmeiro Petit gets the call for San Francisco. Kenley Jansen, Todd Coffey, and Mike MacDougal have all had two days off since throwing on back-to-back days, so they are likely to pitch on Wednesday.

Today's Particulars

Home Runs: Juan Rivera (4)

WP - Joe Thatcher (1-0): 1 IP, 1 hit, 1 strikeout

LP - Francisco Felix (0-1): 1/3 IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, 1 HBP