Several minor leaguers will join Dodgers during Freeway Series

PHOENIX — While the Dodgers are closing in on finalizing their opening day roster, the club will take several minor league players with them back to southern California for the Freeway Series against the Angels.

Will Smith, Edwin Rios, Gavin Lux, D.J. Peters and Errol Robinson are five of the players mentioned by manager Dave Roberts on Friday. Once camp breaks in Arizona they will accompany the team to Anaheim for Sunday night’s Freeway Series opener followed by two games Monday and Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.

“We want to get them in a big league ballpark and get around our guys,” Roberts said. “We want to reward them for having a good camp, and good seasons last year.”

More zeros for Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw finalized his spring training in style, facing one over the minimum while pitching into the seventh inning on Friday against the Royals.

He struck out four in his 6⅔ innings and after a single by Jon Jay to open the first inning Kershaw erased him on a double play and retired 19 of his final 20 batters faced. The only one to reach after the single was Humberto Arteaga, who reached on a throwing error.

This spring Kershaw allowed no runs in 21⅓ innings, allowing 12 hits and four walks while striking out 23. He will get an extra day of rest before his scheduled opening day start next Thursday against the Giants.

Up next

Saturday is getaway day for the Dodgers who haven’t already headed home, with one more game at Camelback Ranch against the White Sox. Alex Wood starts for the Dodgers in an earlier, 12:05 p.m. PT start time, with Hector Santiago pitching for Chicago.