Franklin Gutierrez exits early with hip tightness

Dodgers outfielder left Saturday night’s game against the Padres with hip tightness, the team announced during the game.

Gutierrez, who was just activated off the disabled list on Tuesday, walked in the fifth inning, then appeared to hurt himself running the bases. He was replaced in left field in the bottom of the inning by Andrew Toles.

Gutierrez missed 19 games with a left hamstring strain, and was 3-for-6 with a home run and two walks in four games since returning from the DL. He scored one run in all four of those games.

A rare battery

Austin Barnes started behind the plate for a Clayton Kershaw start for the first time on Saturday, which was even more noteworthy because the Padres started Clayton Richard on the mound and Austin Hedges behind the plate.

Just how rare was it? Diane Firstman has the answer!

Extra rest

A season high in pitches mean that Clayton Kershaw will get an extra day of rest before his next start.

That lines up Kershaw for next Friday in Colorado. Either Sunday’s rain helps push everyone back naturally, or Hyun-jin Ryu’s return from the disabled list (his first day eligible is Thursday) will be strategically timed.

Up next

The Dodgers go for the sweep on Sunday afternoon, weather permitting. Rain is expected for the 1:40 p.m. PT game, but if it gets played the scheduled starters are Brandon McCarthy and Trevor Cahill.