Dodgers Week 14 review: Moving up in NL West

The Dodgers offense came to play this week, scoring 10 runs for the first two times all season. That might have been expected with the trip to Coors Field, but one of the double-digit games came against Matt Cain in San Francisco.

Yasiel Puig had by far his worst week in the big leagues and still put up an .860 OPS with four extra-base hits. Six Dodgers regulars beat that mark, which led to more than six runs per game. Adrian Gonzalez homered in three straight games, Matt Kemp homered in two straight, and Juan Uribe had the game of his life, falling a single short of the cycle with seven RBI on Friday against the Giants.

But none of those batters had to face Clayton Kershaw, who was named an All-Star and strengthened his case to start for the National League at Citi Field on July 16.

Dodger Batter of the Week: During spring training manager Don Mattingly said more than once that Hanley Ramirez at his best was the best player on the field, and it is proving true. Ramirez hit .480 with six extra-base hits during the week and ended his week on a career-best 18-game hitting streak.

Dodger Pitcher of the Week: This was probably the easiest choice of the year, as Clayton Kershaw allowed one run in his two starts, including the 21st shutout in Coors Field history.

Game of the Week

Tuesday: Dodgers 8, Rockies 0 Clayton Kershaw pitched his second shutout of the season and just the 21st complete game shutout in the 19-year history of Coors Field.

Week 14 Record: 4-2
39 runs scored (6.50 per game)
24 runs allowed (4.00 per game)
.709 pythagorean winning percentage

Season Record: 42-45
333 runs scored (3.83 per game)
364 runs allowed (4.18 per game)
.459 pythagorean winning percentage (40-47)

Transactions:

• Tuesday: Relief pitcher Carlos Marmol was acquired from the Cubs along with approximately $2.5 million cash plus international bonus slot No. 92, valued at $209,700, in exchange for relief pitcher Matt Guerrier in an exchange of pitchers recently designated for assignment.
• Tuesday: After clearing waivers, infielder Luis Cruz declined an outright assignment to Triple-A Albuquerque and was granted his release. Cruz signed with the Yankees one day later.
• Thursday: After he cleared waivers, Carlos Marmol was outrighted to Triple-A Albuquerque, removing him from the 40-man roster as he works on some mechanical adjustments.
• Friday: Outfielder Carl Crawford was activated from the disabled list after missing 30 games with a strained right hamstring. Outfielder and first baseman Scott Van Slyke was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.
• Saturday: Starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco was acquired from the Marlins along with international slot bonus No. 96, worth $197,000, in exchange for minor league pitchers Steven Ames, Josh Wall and Angel Sanchez.

Game Results:

• Tuesday: Dodgers 8, Rockies 0
• Wednesday: Dodgers 10, Rockies 8
• Thursday: Rockies 9, Dodgers 5
• Friday: Dodgers 10, Giants 2
• Saturday: Giants 4, Dodgers 2
• Sunday: Dodgers 4, Giants 1

Upcoming Week: The Dodgers run the Melvin Mora gauntlet this week, finishing up their pre-All-Star-break slate with three games in Arizona and four home games against Colorado.

Previous weeks in review: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13

Week 14 Stats