:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53446251/615755314.0.jpg)
PHOENIX — A pair of Dodgers relief pitchers are on the mend with relatively minor injuries, though both are expected back on the mound later this week.
Pedro Baez took a ground ball off his right hand during live batting practice last Wednesday and was shut down for a few days. X-rays were negative.
“He took one off the fatty part of his hand, so it's more of a bone bruise,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He's feeling a little something when he's throwing, so we're just trying to take it slow.”
Jacob Rhame was originally scheduled to pitch in the Dodgers’ spring opener on Saturday but felt something in his back.
"He had a little something tender in the middle of the back. It's nothing alarming for us,” Roberts said. “We just wanted to push him back a few days.”
Monday matchup
The Dodgers host the Rockies at 12:10 p.m. PT, though the game isn’t televised nor broadcast on radio by either team.
Kenta Maeda starts for the Dodgers, and is expected to pitch two innings. He’ll be followed on the mound by Brock Stewart, Chase De Jong, Josh Fields, Luis Avilan and Steve Geltz.
The Dodgers’ lineup looks an awful lot like Saturday’s, with the exception of Cody Bellinger starting at first base and Charlie Culberson at third base. Justin Turner gets the day off after starting the first two games.
Bellinger played first base in reserve in each of the first two spring games for the Dodgers, and homered on Sunday against the Brewers.
"He's a gold glove-caliber-type first baseman,” Roberts said. “The way he carries himself, he's a big leaguer. Cody is doing a great job of just continuing to try and get better, so when his opportunity presents itself, he'll be ready.”
Jon Gray starts for the Rockies. He has 46 strikeouts in 30⅔ career innings against the Dodgers.
David Dahl and Raimel Tapia were slated to play in the Rockies outfield but were both late scratches from the lineup. Michael Tauchman is now starting in left for Colorado, and former Dodgers minor leaguer Noel Cuevas is in center field.
Game info
Opponent: Rockies
Time: 12:05 p.m. PT
TV: none
Radio: none