Bittersweet Moment For Matt Guerrier & Dodgers

A pair of old Twins teammates met up at Dodger Stadium in the 11th inning on Friday night, but it was the Dodgers who came up on the short end. Jason Kubel's home run off Matt Guerrier gave the Diamondbacks a 4-3 win, handing the Dodgers their fifth loss in their last six games.

"I just didn't get it in enough. I know him well, I played with him. It's what he likes to do," said Guerrier. "I felt good. I made a mistake, and he hit it. It's one of those things, you tip your cap I guess."

Guerrier and Kubel were teammates for seven seasons in Minnesota, from 2004-2010. It was Guerrier's first outing for the Dodgers since April 18, though with the ending he didn't exactly have much time to celebrate.

"I wish it wouldn't have ended that way, but I feel good," said Guerrier.

Mattingly was asked if he gave any thought to using Randy Choate, the only left-hander in the Dodgers' bullpen, to open the 11th inning against Kubel, who hits left-handed.

"Choate is really a one-hitter guy, not really a one-inning guy," Mattingly said. "Matt's on our roster. Matt actually threw the ball pretty well tonight."

With closer Kenley Jansen unavailable, both Shawn Tolleson and Ronald Belisario throwing two innings Friday, Jamey Wright pitching two innings Thursday, and Brandon League pitching each of the last two days, the Dodgers bullpen could use some reinforcements, even if Guerrier, who missed over four months with right elbow inflammation, says he is ready to pitch on back-to-back days.

A reinforcement will come Saturday in the form of Javy Guerra, though the move is not yet official. In fact, given the heavy bullpen usage of late it's possible that Guerra won't be alone on his way to Los Angeles on Saturday.

"Things are always fluid as to what we're going to do," Mattingly said.

Up Next

The Dodgers will try to end their eight-game losing streak to the Diamondbacks on Saturday, an earlier (6:10 p.m. PT) start. Josh Beckett makes his second start for the Dodgers and his Dodger Stadium debut, facing lefty Tyler Skaggs, making his third big league start.