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The Dodgers battle the Diamondbacks for the second time in as many nights of exhibition baseball at Dodger Stadium. But let’s look at the state of the bullpen, as it pertains to the potential Opening Day roster, now just three days away.
Dave Roberts said Monday that the Dodgers planned to carry between 15 and 17 pitchers on that opening 30-man roster.
Pedro Baez and Scott Alexander, both of whom reported to camp on July 13 after missing the first 10 workouts at Dodger Stadium, each faced hitters in simulated game action earlier Monday. Baez will be on the Opening Day roster despite having not pitched in a game yet, while Alexander’s status is to be determined.
Dodgers-D-backs lineups
| Pos | D-backs | Pos | Dodgers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | D-backs | Pos | Dodgers |
| RF | Calhoun (L) | RF | Betts |
| 2B | K.Marte (S) | 1B | Muncy (L) |
| CF | S.Marte | 3B | Turner |
| 3B | Escobar (S) | CF | Bellinger (L) |
| LF | Peralta (L) | SS | Seager (L) |
| DH | Vargas (S) | LF | Pollock |
| 1B | Lamb (L) | DH | Pederson (L) |
| SS | Ahmed | 2B | Taylor |
| C | Vogt (L) | C | Smith |
“Pedro is not going to throw in an exhibition, but he’ll be ready to throw on Thursday,” Roberts said via conference call Monday. “With Scott, we still haven’t made a decision yet on what his next steps will be.”
Joe Kelly also threw in a simulated situation Monday and will not pitch in either remaining exhibition game, but will be on the Opening Day roster.
AJ Ramos, signed to a minor league deal, will pitch an inning Tuesday night against the Angels. He faced one batter in Sunday’s exhibition opener, striking out Ketel Marte on four pitches.
“It’s been quite some time since he’s pitched in a big league ballgame, but I’m very impressed with his work ethic, the shape he’s in, and what he can do on the mound,” Roberts said.
Ramos missed all of 2019 after shoulder surgery, and last pitched in a major league game on May 26, 2018.
Other Dodgers slated to pitch in relief in Monday’s game include Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, and Dylan Floro.
Julio Urías starts Monday for the Dodgers. Exactly which game he starts in the regular season hasn’t been determined. But when asked to name his rotation order after Clayton Kershaw, Roberts on Monday said, “You’ll see [Ross] Stripling in there, and you’ll see Alex Wood in there” without offering any more clarity or an order. Though it seems obvious Stripling will start Friday’s game since Urías or Wood would only be on three days rest for the second game of the season.
Game info
Teams: Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks
Location: Dodger Stadium
Time: 6:40 p.m. PT
TV: SportsNet LA