True Blue LA: All Posts by Stacie WheelerWhere The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2024-03-01T20:32:30-08:00https://www.truebluela.com/authors/stacie-wheeler/rss2024-03-01T20:32:30-08:002024-03-01T20:32:30-08:00Ohtani starts the scoring, Gauthier ends it with a grand slam
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Dodgers notes: Glasnow 5 K, Ohtani 3 AB, Gauthier slam</p> <p id="n7oRLG">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> (6-2) played a second straight night game, opening the month of March on Friday night at Camelback Ranch with a 6-4 comeback win over the <a href="https://www.coveringthecorner.com/">Guardians</a> (2-5). </p>
<p id="g7Bvo1">Tyler Glasnow made his second of four starts in the Cactus League to prepare for <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/7/12/23793152/dodgers-padres-seoul-south-korea-2024-mlb-schedule">the Dodgers’ first two games in South Korea on March 20-21</a>. </p>
<p id="bIxtVx">Glasnow showed off his big curveball in the first inning and retired the Cleveland batters in order with two strikeouts. The big right-hander continued to work on his breaking ball in his second spring start in Dodger Blue. He picked up a third strikeout on his curveball in the second. </p>
<p id="btr0p1">In his third and final inning of work, Glasnow struck out Austin Hedges with his fastball. David Fry chased another rainbow of a curve to become Glasnow’s fifth strikeout victim in his three scoreless innings.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Three innings, five strikeouts for Tyler. <a href="https://t.co/D27FtveVIC">pic.twitter.com/D27FtveVIC</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1763747324000604321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="AzkiuQ">Shohei starts the scoring</h3>
<p id="8vXwQx">Shohei Ohtani walked in his first at-bat, so he had to remain in the game per Dave Roberts’ pre-game rules set forth. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shohei Ohtani is supposed to take 3 at-bats tonight, Dave Roberts said.<br><br>"I did hear his last game, 3 was the plan, but if he would have homered in his 1st at bat, it was only going to be 1. So my plan, I'll stick with 3. But if he hits a HR in his 1st at bat, it might be 1."</p>— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabianArdaya/status/1763706503276753225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a>
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<p id="f1ZWqM">The first run of the game didn’t come until the bottom of the third when Ohtani drove in Chris Owings on a ground ball RBI single to right deflected by second baseman Andrés Giménez.</p>
<p id="6IXGO6">Ohtani went 1-for-1 with two walks in his three at-bats. </p>
<p id="1Oy8aQ">Miguel Vargas looked overmatched at the plate again and went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts. Other than reaching safely on a botched grounder and a swinging bunt single in his first spring game, Vargas has underwhelmed thus far. </p>
<p id="xw0FAV">Vargas has been working with former <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> outfielder and newly appointed special advisor Andre Ethier this spring to help with his transition to left field. The Dodgers have reunited with Kiké Hernández who will get time in left field as well as center field.</p>
<p id="a6SDrp">In fact, Hernandez started in center field and doubled to open the fourth for the Dodgers in his return. </p>
<p id="BfsxiT">J. P. Feyereisen served up two runs on four hits in the latter innings, and the Guardians took a 4-1 lead in the eighth. </p>
<p id="TWV0Yd">As spring games go, the Dodgers turned the game around with a five-run eighth. Austin Gauthier’s grand slam gave the Dodgers a 6-4 lead. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GRAND SLAM GAUTHIER. <a href="https://t.co/1X0bdl2DCq">pic.twitter.com/1X0bdl2DCq</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1763771087962447885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a>
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<p id="wMN9c9">Whether it’s spring training or the regular season, the Dodgers always make things interesting. The Guardians threatened in the top of the ninth and loaded the bases, but the Dodgers held on to capture their sixth Cactus League victory of 2024.</p>
<h3 id="DvJKdh">Non-roster notes</h3>
<p id="2oNeHi">Nabil Crismatt followed Glasnow and threw two innings with mixed results. He pitched a scoreless fourth, but the non-roster spring training invitee allowed two runs on two hits in the top of the fifth to give the Guardians a 2-1 lead.</p>
<p id="uiXx6Q">Chris Owings, another NRI in camp, put together a good game with two hits, a run, and a stolen base.</p>
<p id="ehZqnF">Gauthier, another NRI, was the hero of the night with the game-winning grand slam in the eighth.</p>
<h3 id="XqtoCb">Up next</h3>
<p id="55uBAZ">The Dodgers play split squad games Saturday. The first game, against the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>, is at Camelback Ranch (<a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2024/3/1/24086763/dodgers-spring-training-schedule-cubs-brewers-split-squad">12:05 p.m. PST, SportsNet LA</a>).<strong> </strong>Some players will travel to Maryville to take on the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> at 12:10 p.m. PST. Ryan Yarbrough is slated to start the game at Camelback Ranch, and Kyle Hurt will start for the Dodgers versus Milwaukee.</p>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2024/3/1/24088172/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-austin-gauthier-grand-slamStacie Wheeler2024-02-23T15:37:33-08:002024-02-23T15:37:33-08:00Vargas, Knack & Freeman shine in Camelback Ranch opener
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="wAUpJF">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/"><strong>Dodgers</strong></a> played their first home game of spring training, hosting the Padres on Friday afternoon at Camelback Ranch. The Boys in Blue wasted no time and continued the offensive barrage against the San Diego <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/"><strong>Padres</strong></a> they started in Thursday’s 14-1 drubbing in Peoria.</p>
<p id="OIlk7c">While the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> did beat the Padres 4-1, the real story was that of the contributions from two of the Dodgers top prospects. Freddie Freeman homered immediately to put the Dodgers ahead, but he’s not vying for major-league playing time or spot on the major-league roster. </p>
<p id="NrnrqJ">Miguel Vargas and Landon Knack are playing with a different purpose this spring than Freeman. They both made positive strides in their outings Friday afternoon in Arizona. </p>
<p id="a9jqeo">Vargas looked better at the plate and went 2-for-3 with a run scored. With Manual Margot and Chris Taylor ahead of him on the depth chart, Vargas needs to let his bat do the talking this spring.</p>
<p id="pO8Hla">Freeman opened Cactus League play at Camelback Ranch for the Dodgers with an opposite field home run off the first pitch he saw from San Diego’s Jhony Brito. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First pitch Freddie sees? Homer. <a href="https://t.co/LH5R5QVS2w">pic.twitter.com/LH5R5QVS2w</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1761126839362437252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a>
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<p id="eY4hcY">Freeman’s home run was majestic, but I was really interested in Landon Knack’s start.</p>
<p id="dMQLT0">The Dodgers’ 2023 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Knack, started for the Dodgers and impressed with four strikeouts in two perfect innings of work. The 26-year old right-hander threw some heat at 93-95 mph with his fastball, and his off-speed pitches generated a lot of swings and misses against the Padres’ bats. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Landon Knack's 4Ks thru 2. <a href="https://t.co/T8E6KhhFI7">pic.twitter.com/T8E6KhhFI7</a></p>— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) <a href="https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1761125995854143573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a>
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<p id="CNgQg0">The Dodgers tallied a second run on a Vargas double and Dalton Rushing sacrifice fly in the second inning. Vargas stayed hot and singled in the bottom of the fourth. It’s a promising start for Vargas this spring who is looking to find consistency at the plate after it eluded him in his first stint with the Dodgers last season. </p>
<p id="Fl9Uh6">Vargas also made a solid play in left field in the fifth inning, showcasing his ability to play outfield as well as infield. The Dodgers remain hopeful that Vargas’ bat will come around.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Miguel Vargas looking comfortable in LF. <a href="https://t.co/JieBfWrUtz">pic.twitter.com/JieBfWrUtz</a></p>— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1761138772253778356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a>
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<p id="bzjhoj">Gus Varland also made his spring debut and allowed one hit with one strikeout in an inning of work. Nabil Crismatt and Tanner Dodson each pitched a scoreless frame as well. </p>
<p id="HkXipm">The Dodgers tacked on a third run against the Padres in the top of the fifth thanks to singles from Miguel Rojas and Jose Ramos followed by a Freeman sac fly. </p>
<p id="Gwe3ys">T. J. McFarland got into a jam in the sixth, but the sidearmer stranded two runners in scoring position to preserve the 3-1 lead for the Dodgers. He showed off his effectiveness against left-handed batters when he struck out Nathan Martorella on three straight swinging strikes. McFarland could be an effective tool out of the bullpen for Dave Roberts. </p>
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<p id="IhnRJC">Shohei Ohtani will play in a game next week.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Freddie Freeman said the batting order will be unveiled next week when Ohtani and him play in the same game. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a></p>— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) <a href="https://twitter.com/THEREAL_DV/status/1761149244692451560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a>
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<p id="7lrzae"><a href="https://www.truebluela.com/"><strong>Dodgers</strong></a> minor league coaching staffs for 2024 <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2024/2/23/24049168/dodgers-minor-league-coaching-staffs-2024">were announced on Friday</a>, with new managers at High-A Great Lakes and in the Arizona Complex League this season.</p>
<h3 id="LIzdue">Up next</h3>
<p id="3VDu7R">The Dodgers travel to Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday to take on the Angels. First pitch is at 12:10 p.m. PST on SportsNet LA and Dodgers Radio AM570, KTNQ 1020.</p>
<p id="PZ6Xyx">Tyler Glasnow is slated to make his Dodgers debut versus Victor Mederos of the Halos. </p>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2024/2/23/24081362/dodgers-miguel-vargas-landon-knack-freddie-freeman-camelback-ranchStacie Wheeler2023-12-09T10:06:00-08:002023-12-09T10:06:00-08:002023 review: Diego Cartaya
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<img alt="Los Angeles Dodgers v Chicago White Sox minor leaguers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/no02Sz0CPu3s9iAnYrLZmwSOXaE=/0x923:3592x3318/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72947563/1252047933.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="2pXBUR">Diego Cartaya was the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>’ top prospect last season, one of the two best catching prospects in the game, and overall <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/2/23/23581698/dodgers-top-100-prospects-diego-cartaya-bobby-miller-miguel-vargas">one of the top 30 prospects in MLB entering the 2023 season</a>. Cartaya was seen as a future impact player at the major-league level when <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2018/7/2/17529130/dodgers-top-international-prospect-catcher-diego-cartaya-16-years-old">the Dodgers signed him for $2.5 million in 2018</a>, but his development has been a bit slower than expected. He struggled offensively in 2023 for Double-A Tulsa, but the team has remained high on the top prospect. </p>
<p id="0Y4uml">The transition from High-A to Double-A is a large developmental jump for some minor leaguers, and Cartaya has faced some of those so-called growing pains. In 2023, Cartaya’s fourth season in the minor leagues, he took a step backward in his plate discipline and power numbers. </p>
<p id="dOvc3E">Cartaya’s batting average fell by 70 points, and his OPS plummeted from .892 to .656 from his time in Low-A and High-A in 2022. His 29-percent strikeout rate was the highest of his minor-league career thus far with the Dodgers, and his walk rate dipped as well (9.2 percent). </p>
<p id="KQLMx9">Speaking of 29 percent, the right-handed hitting catcher’s 2023 wRC+ of 71 is 29 percent worse than an average hitter in the league. Perhaps Cartaya needs some time to adjust to the more difficult pitching as he climbs the ladder of the Dodgers’ minor league organization. Not every prospect has a linear development, but when offensive numbers plummet too much it rightfully raises concern.</p>
<p id="x2mwud">It was a disappointing season for the young prospect, but the Dodgers remain high on his skills and potential. The promising news is that Cartaya still has raw power and potential to be a major-league catcher who can hit 20-plus home runs per season. He also has spent time working on his blocking behind the plate and overall catching defense. He has a solid arm from behind the plate, a need for catchers now who must adjust to the larger bases and pitch clock when managing base runners. </p>
<p id="ZoO2sU">GM Brandon Gomes commented on Cartaya’s progress at the GM Meetings. He said that they will be working with him this offseason per <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5046187%2F2023%2F11%2F08%2Fdodgers-offseason-gm-meetings%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2023%2F12%2F9%2F23994305%2Fdiego-cartaya-2023-dodgers-review" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brandon Gomes via The Athletic</a>. </p>
<blockquote><p id="4z51t9">“I think it does get a little bit lost how young he is, especially for (the) level,” Gomes said. “I know his offensive year wasn’t where he would’ve hoped. He took major strides in game planning and receiving and throwing and leading pitchers’ meetings and understanding how to lead a staff, which are all incredibly important and some intangibles that you want to see out of catchers. We did see growth in a lot of areas even though the offensive performance wasn’t where we would’ve wanted it.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="ux39w9">The Venezuelan catcher just turned 22-years old. The Dodgers have the luxury of having All-Star Will Smith catching in the majors with Austin Barnes signed for another season of back-up catching duty, so there’s no urgency for Cartaya to make his MLB debut. It will be interesting to see how much confidence the Dodgers have in Cartaya in the long-term this offseason and whether they’ll use him as a trade chip. He’s obviously a talented player, but it might take some more time for him to reach the major-league level than was previously expected.</p>
<h3 id="iaXUcH">2023 particulars</h3>
<p id="uPzF3b">Age: 21</p>
<p id="y7hPym">Stats: .189/.278/.379/.656, 403 PA, 19 HR, 10 2B, 71 wRC+ in Double-A</p>
<p id="Ypf1mC">Salary: in minors all year (minimum salary for first-year players on a 40-man roster in 2023 was $58,800, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/10/22971463/mlb-collective-bargaining-agreement-details-2022-2026">per the collective bargaining agreement</a>)</p>
<h3 id="IA8Etv">Game of the year</h3>
<p id="zWjfcS">Cartaya started the season with a batting average below the Mendoza Line, but he turned things on offensively in late-May and into June when he hit home runs in four straight games for the Tulsa Drillers. </p>
<p id="OovCqV">In the third inning Cartaya lined a home run off Twins’ LHP prospect Aaron Rozek. The Drillers won 5-4 thanks to Cartaya’s home run streak.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"He's flipped a switch and has figured something out."<br><br>Top <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dodgers</a> prospect Diego Cartaya's fourth HR in as many games clears the bullpen for the <a href="https://twitter.com/TulsaDrillers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TulsaDrillers</a>: <a href="https://t.co/ooGbrXIRLD">pic.twitter.com/ooGbrXIRLD</a></p>— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBPipeline/status/1664436830987509763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a>
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<p id="n9leJd">Cartaya <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-diego-cartaya-enjoys-home-run-streak-at-double-a">explained to Evan Desai of </a><a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a> what adjustments he made at the plate.</p>
<blockquote><p id="424SHI">“I’m just trying to stay simple at the plate, and just put the ball in play,” Cartaya said after Wednesday’s contest. “And I feel like when I do that, good things happen.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="P1Jst9">Roster status</h3>
<p id="fKglzM">Cartaya hasn’t yet reached the majors so <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/19/23869441/dodgers-roster-breakdown-2023-offseason">he has no service time</a>. He has two option years remaining.</p>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2023/12/9/23994305/diego-cartaya-2023-dodgers-reviewStacie Wheeler2023-11-07T09:46:00-08:002023-11-07T09:46:00-08:002023 review: Austin Barnes
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<img alt="San Diego Padres v Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/29xQTVu-gsPkX0-6BR-o5pxyWJM=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72839106/1680587943.0.jpg" />
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<p id="nGD23b">It was a rough year offensively for Austin Barnes in 2023. The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> never seemed to waver from their support of Barnes even when his offensive struggles and his inability to prevent stolen bases under MLB’s new runner-friendly rules spurred a lot of flak from the fan base. </p>
<p id="eM9neZ">As the backup catcher to starter Will Smith, Barnes is mostly used as Clayton Kershaw’s personal catcher or to give Smith some rest every few days. Barnes hit well in his first full season in 2017 (.289/.408/.486 with eight home runs), but he has struggled to find that same consistent offensive results since.</p>
<p id="XNjgTB">Barnes started the 2023 season an abysmal 0 for 16 but although he was season ice cold at the plate, his long-tenured leadership on the team along with his valuable pitch framing and rapport with the pitching staff allowed the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> to continue to lean on Barnes. </p>
<p id="wb95gY">Smith missed two weeks due to a concussion in mid-April. It wasn’t until September that it was revealed per <a href="https://twitter.com/THEREAL_DV/status/1703207937408393627">David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports</a> the Dodgers’ primary catcher also suffered a broken rib after being hit by a pitch by Cardinals starter Jake Woodford just three games back from the concussion. </p>
<p id="ZeOWAm">Barnes went 3-for-30 (.100 BA) in the month of May. He continued to struggle at the plate for most of the first half (.319 OPS/108 PA). The backup backstop finished the season with the <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=nl&type=8&season=2023&month=0&season1=2023&ind=0&sortcol=12&sortdir=asc&qual=100">eighth-lowest batting average</a> in the NL among players with at least 100 plate appearances this year. </p>
<p id="2SSx4I">Although Barnes has never really been an offensive threat with a career batting average of .217, many of Barnes’ offensive numbers registered this season were among the lowest of his career. His power numbers including ISO (.062), SLG (.242), exit velocity (83.7 mph) were some of the worst of his nine-season career in the majors with the Dodgers. </p>
<p id="DjcztM">The Dodgers didn’t make a move for another catcher at the trade deadline, placing their faith in Barnes who adds value to the team in other ways.</p>
<p id="HxHjat">Patience paid off for Dave Roberts and the Dodgers as Barnes had a bit of a resurgence in the second half. His second-half split was improved (.268/.330/.378, 96 wRC+). This was an important turnaround for the Dodgers who had seen Will Smith’s offensive production decline down the stretch. </p>
<p id="WJFdxW">August was Barnes’ best month when he slashed .355/.375/.484 with one home run in 31 at-bats. </p>
<p id="0rRegh">The ways in which Barnes adds value to the team may go unnoticed at times. His pitch-calling and relationship with the pitching staff is often praised by his teammates and coaches alike. Barnes, having experience with much of the Dodgers’ pitching staff, helped navigate the early-season injuries to the L.A. pitching staff and the use of their young pitchers who filled in when many of their starters were out.</p>
<p id="I4RlLW">Pitch-framing has been a skill valued by the Dodgers’ current front office, and Barnes has been <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/catcher_framing?year=0&team=&min=100&type=catcher&sort=4,1">one of the best MLB catchers at framing since</a> being acquired by the Dodgers from the Marlins in 2014. Old friend Yasmani Grandal was top in catcher framing runs from 2015-2023. </p>
<p id="uVlLks">Barnes, who had been an integral part of the Dodgers’ 2020 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> team, only got one at-bat in NLDS Game 3 against the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a>. The lone at-bat was a controversial decision made by Roberts who decided to pinch-hit Barnes for David Peralta.</p>
<p id="XpiaBw">The second-string catcher had not batted since September 30 before being called upon in a late-game situation to pinch hit off the bench in the top of the seventh inning. The move failed when Barnes grounded out to third to end the frame and the rally.</p>
<p id="FWjAiv">Roberts explained his decision to put Barnes in that situation.</p>
<blockquote><p id="Bocaen">“Austin is a guy who has been in many postseasons, got huge hits for us. It was a chance to get a lefty — a righty on the lefty. And he just expanded. It was a ball down below the zone and let him off the hook right there.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="fvMFaF">Barnes may not hit many bombs anymore, but his consistency behind the plate is worth a lot to the pitching squad including his batterymate Kershaw. </p>
<p id="3YqkSk"><a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2023-08-11/clayton-kershaw-dodgers-world-series-title-hopes">Clayton Kershaw explained to Jack Harris </a>of the L.A. Times Barnes’ importance to the team.</p>
<blockquote><p id="bEdumt">“Barnsy’s a winner. Obviously, his offensive numbers, when you look at it on paper aren’t great. But that’s not what he’s here to do. He’s here to help us win. And he does that behind the plate, the way he calls games, and the way he competes. He’s really good at it. It’s hard to describe.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="4WCRnK">2023 particulars</h3>
<p id="11KAdQ">Age: 33</p>
<p id="X4eTC3">Stats: .180/.256/.242, 41 wRC+, 200 PA, 2 HR, 2 2B, -0.8 fWAR, -1.2 bWAR</p>
<p id="hFcjIo">Salary: <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/7/3/23193699/austin-barnes-contract-dodgers-extension-2024">$3.5 million</a></p>
<h3 id="f7cXYT">Game of the year</h3>
<p id="5cZoqo">On August 17 Barnes hit a solo shot in the bottom of the eighth inning off right-hander Joel Payamps, helping the Dodgers win their 11th straight game <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/8/17/23836278/austin-barnes-home-run-lance-lynn-corbin-burnes-dodgers-sweep-brewers">with a 1-0 win over the Brewers</a>.</p>
<p id="TQAjLS">It was the first home run for Barnes since Sept. 20, 2022. He also singled in the third inning for his second multi-hit game of the season. </p>
<div id="7QsdWH">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE AUSTIN BARNES GAME. <a href="https://t.co/NnZvkfNspW">pic.twitter.com/NnZvkfNspW</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1692387510104805491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2023</a>
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<p id="dRccgr">His second, and final, home run of the season occurred exactly a month later, on September 17, a two-run shot off Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert. </p>
<h3 id="XIKU71">Roster status</h3>
<p id="xl9Qz6">Barnes <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/19/23869441/dodgers-roster-breakdown-2023-offseasonyroll-luxury-tax">is under contract for one more season</a> at $3.5 million for 2024. The Dodgers also hold a club option for 2025 worth $3.5 million. </p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2023/11/7/23947607/austin-barnes-2023-dodgers-reviewStacie Wheeler2023-10-08T11:13:00-07:002023-10-08T11:13:00-07:00Emmet Sheehan’s postseason debut came earlier than expected
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<img alt="Division Series - Arizona Diamondbacks v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G19TWZb2VkefY5zYdayQb2rEJQk=/1x0:4744x3162/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72734659/1723319158.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="PH7PyL">Emmet Sheehan was dominant down the stretch for the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> in the regular season. The 23-year-old right-handed pitcher <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/5/23904027/emmet-sheehan-dodgers-postseason-role">allowed only three runs over 13 ⅔ innings while striking out 24 batters in his final three starts of the season</a>. Sheehan’s late season success helped him <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/7/23904993/dodgers-national-league-division-series-roster">edge out left-hander Ryan Yarbrough</a> for a spot on the Dodgers’ NLDS roster announced prior to the series opener Saturday. </p>
<p id="JeNh4z">Sheehan was called upon much earlier out of the bullpen to be a bulk pitcher in the NLDS than planned. No one could have predicted that the Dodgers would need to bring in Sheehan, or any other reliever, in the very first inning of the series. </p>
<p id="M2oV42">The five-game division series is far from over, but it did feel as though <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/7/23907529/clayton-kershaw-nightmare-start-diamondbacks-home-runs-dodgers-nlds-game-1">the Dodgers were trying to keep their head above water in a fight for their postseason life on Saturday night</a>. </p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="O8unCQ"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Nightmare Game 1 for Dodgers","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/7/23907529/clayton-kershaw-nightmare-start-diamondbacks-home-runs-dodgers-nlds-game-1"},{"title":"Dodgers insist Kershaw is healthy","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/7/23908144/dodgers-clayton-kershaw-physically-healthy-nlds-game-4-start"},{"title":"More RISP problems for LA offense","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/8/23908087/dodgers-offense-risp-nlds-diamondbacks"},{"title":"NLDS schedule: Game 2 Monday, 6:07 p.m.","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/4/23903638/dodgers-diamondbacks-nlds-schedule-2023"}]}'></div></aside></div>
<p id="lDuaWg">This postseason’s flavor is very different from previous years for the Dodgers. Without Dustin May, Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, or Julio Urias, they look to a group of four rookie pitchers to not only make their <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-playoffs">MLB postseason</a> debuts, but also to do so in a significant capacity. </p>
<p id="N45zaP">Sheehan figured to piggyback Clayton Kershaw in Game 1, but things quickly went array for Kershaw. The veteran southpaw couldn’t get out of the first inning Saturday evening in Game 1 of the NLDS. Sheehan went from a piggybacking role to a bacon-saving job in less than an inning.</p>
<p id="tZ8IuB">Last October, Emmet Sheehan, Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot and Michael Grove were in Arizona during the postseason looking toward their future opportunity to impact the major-league team in 2023. </p>
<p id="dtnJOS"><a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/5/23904027/emmet-sheehan-dodgers-postseason-role">Sheehan explained</a> how the reset in the minors refreshed his competitive drive to succeed at the major-league level. He pitched in an intrasquad scrimmage at Dodger Stadium last week prior to the start of postseason play.</p>
<p id="5kAZ0z">Sheehan’s 3 ⅔ innings pitched was the most for a Dodgers pitcher in Game 1. Dave Roberts used six pitchers in the first game against the Snakes which is less than ideal. If Sheehan hadn’t pitched admirably after the worst start of Kershaw’s 16-season MLB career, the Dodgers may have had to resort to using a position player in the later innings so as not to burn through the entire bullpen in game 1.</p>
<p id="m1flyG">The D-backs did score three runs on four hits off Sheehan, including a Corbin Carroll solo home run in the second inning. Sheehan settled down thereafter. Shelby Miller also pitched two innings of scoreless ball, and Caleb Ferguson didn’t allow any further damage in the top of the ninth.</p>
<p id="3lvafR">Sheehan ended up throwing 71 pitches to get his 11 outs, with four strikeouts.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="4WpF7C"><q>“When you get sent down to the minors, it’s a reminder that you’re fighting for your life.”</q></aside></div>
<p id="soOxJD">Sheehan’s meteoric rise through the Dodgers’ system has been quite remarkable. </p>
<p id="zsfRiq">Sheehan was playing for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League in 2022, having spent most of his season with the Single-A Great Lakes Loons. The Dodgers <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/6/16/23764093/dodgers-roster-emmet-sheehan-michael-grove-rotation">called him up directly from Double-A this year</a> when he made his MLB debut on June 16.</p>
<p id="iVcofd">After his first stint with the Dodgers in the summer, he was called back to the majors with expanded rosters on September 1. With a plethora of pitching injuries, Sheehan’s youth and health was welcomed to the pitching squad.</p>
<p id="tM2Hih">The dip down to Triple-A in early August did Sheehan some good, and his 39-percent strikeout rate in the last month of the season was impressive enough to earn a spot on the pitching staff for the first round of the playoffs.</p>
<p id="BNgcD5">Sheehan likely will be unavailable for Game 2, but the rookie right-hander might be called upon again should the Dodgers go deep into the series. With the Dodgers’ insistence that <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/7/23908144/dodgers-clayton-kershaw-physically-healthy-nlds-game-4-start">nothing is physically wrong with Kershaw</a>, and the plan remains in place for him to start Game 4, Sheehan may be needed for additional piggybacking. </p>
<p id="nF2nTZ"></p>
<p id="EVfQrP"></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/8/23908156/emmet-sheehan-postseason-debut-dodgers-nlds-game-1Stacie Wheeler2023-10-02T12:31:00-07:002023-10-02T12:31:00-07:00Dodgers guide to the Brewers/D-backs wild card series
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<img alt="NLDS: LA Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zgcgx9VwhWtF3Q1c4vBNNasKMtI=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72713324/1235776331.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Dodgers will face Brewers or D-backs in NLDS</p> <p id="IwqMTR">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> are officially the No. 2 seed in the National League and <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/1/23889824/dodgers-nlds-schedule-brewers-diamondbacks">now wait to see who they will face in the NLDS</a>. The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> got within 2 ½ games back of the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Braves</a> for the top seed, but after their relatively slow start to the season, the Dodgers never caught pace with Atlanta. </p>
<p id="wbmRzy">The Dodgers falling short of the top record in the NL is perhaps more advantageous after all. The Boys in Blue have a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the NLDS, but they will have to open a potential NLCS against the Braves in Atlanta should both teams get that far this October. </p>
<aside id="SDmXue"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Clayton Kershaw lined up to start NLDS Game 1","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/1/23897173/clayton-kershaw-dodgers-game-1-starter-nlds"}]}'></div></aside><p id="S08KrE">We won’t know who the Dodgers will officially play in the NLDS yet, but we do know they won’t be playing the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>, the No. 4 seed. We saw how the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> can turn it on in the postseason last year. Avoiding playing Philadelphia in the first round feels like a big win on its own.</p>
<p id="XYaeb2">The most likely scenario for the Dodgers is a matchup with the Milwaukee <a href="http://brewers">Brewers</a>, the No. 3 seed and NL Central champs. Milwaukee will face the Arizona <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> in the Wild Card series which starts Tuesday at American Family Field in Milwaukee. </p>
<h3 id="qUy9hT">Milwaukee</h3>
<p id="kJTrXj">The Dodgers dominated the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> this year, going 5-1 in the six games they’ve played. That’s the best record for the Dodgers against any of their potential NLDS opponents this season. The Dodgers faced the Brewers in the 2020 NL Wild Card round and swept them in two games. The Dodgers and Brewers also battled in the 2018 NLCS, and the Dodgers beat them in seven games to clinch a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> berth.</p>
<p id="pOsryh">However, the postseason is an entirely different beast than the regular season. We know from painful past experiences, the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-playoffs">MLB postseason</a> is a crapshoot. You can win 100+ games over the course of the regular season but get quickly booted in October after a poor performance in a short series.</p>
<p id="xHgGGJ">The Brewers’ offense has been mid-pack in the NL (+84 run differential), and their team slashline of .240/.319/.385 and 92 wRC+ is uninspirational. Their .705 team OPS is <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=nl&qual=0&type=1&season=2023&month=0&season1=2023&ind=0&team=0%2Cts&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&sortcol=8&sortdir=default&pagenum=1">second to last in the league</a>. </p>
<p id="uTPjwV">The Milwaukee bats may not have much pop, but they have been disciplined at the plate with a 23.2-percent strikeout rate and the third-best walk rate (9.7 percent), just behind the Dodgers (10.2 percent) in the NL.</p>
<p id="86ERxb">Christian Yelich struggled to recreate the success he had after his 2019 MVP season. His 2023 slashline of .278/.370/.447 isn’t near his MVP numbers when he OPS’d 1.100, but the Southern California native has bounced back with a .816 OPS and 105 runs which is good for <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=nl&type=0&season=2023&month=0&season1=2023&ind=0&rost=&age=&filter=&players=0&team=0&qual=y&sortcol=10&sortdir=default&pagenum=1">ninth-best</a> in the NL. He’s also swiped 27 bases. His .925 OPS this season with runners in scoring position makes Yelich especially dangerous in the postseason. </p>
<p id="mdPeHV">Dodgers pitchers have held Yelich to a .191 batting average with only four hits in 21 at-bats. </p>
<p id="gEoVFt">William Contreras has had a solid season and led the team in average (.290), slugging percentage (.459) and hits (156). The Brewers’ catcher has also been clutch with runners in scoring position hitting .339 with .927 OPS. Against the Dodgers, this season, Contreras has only two hits in 20 at-bats (.200 BA). </p>
<p id="JbrcWM">Adames, the Brewers’ productive shortstop, hit 24 home runs and drove in 80 runs for the team lead. He’s also been neutralized by Dodgers pitching this season (.136 with eight strikeouts in 22 at-bats). </p>
<p id="PytuJl">The Dodgers have slugged 84 more home runs and collected 131 more base hits than the Brewers this season. The Dodgers are definitely more dominant offensively (+207 run differential), but the Brewers have some nifty pitching that has got them this far. Milwaukee may be the smallest market in the league, but the Brew Crew has one of the most dominant pitching staffs in the game.</p>
<p id="BBsVvS">They have reached the postseason in five of the past six seasons without having a payroll higher than 16th in baseball, ranking 20th this season at $118.7 million. That’s a lot less than the St. Louis <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> and Chicago <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs,</a> their NL Central counterparts, who will be watching October baseball from home. </p>
<p id="H902iq">The Brewers have arguably the best starting rotation of the postseason teams with Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, and Wade Miley. They also have one of the top closers in baseball with All-Star Devin Williams. </p>
<p id="pNmy8D">But they won’t have Woodruff for at least the wild card round, and maybe longer.</p>
<div id="FqE212">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Craig Counsell said Brandon Woodruff is out for the wild-card series with a right shoulder capsular injury.<br><br>"His availability for the postseason is up in the air at this point," Counsell said.<br><br>What horrible news for Woodruff and the Brewers.</p>— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) <a href="https://twitter.com/Todd_Rosiak/status/1708935731748479427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2023</a>
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<p id="SEhJKA">Milwaukee’s pitching staff posted the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/stats/team/pitching/national-league?sortState=asc">best ERA in the NL</a> (3.73). They also lead in WHIP (1.186), and opponents have hit .224 against them. The Brewers’ pitching squad has also pitched very well on the road (3.78 ERA). </p>
<p id="QfjN0V">The Dodgers have a good record (5-1) vs. the Brewers this season, but the offense only faced Peralta and Burnes once each in the six matchups. Peralta allowed one run on three hits in his win against the Dodgers in May. Burnes threw seven innings of shutout ball against the Dodgers in August. </p>
<p id="yhZWwd">NLDS Game 1 starter Clayton Kershaw is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA with 10 strikeouts in two starts this season (12 innings pitched). </p>
<h3 id="pyuE33">Arizona</h3>
<p id="ddJhA6">The <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> earned the final NL Wild Card spot as the sixth seed. They were the No. 5 seed until the final weekend, falling behind the Miami Marlins.</p>
<p id="Sddm0K">The D-backs are considered the underdogs in the series, but should they defeat the Brewers and move on, it would create a rematch of the 2017 NLDS. </p>
<p id="8SXg6T">The Dodgers and D-backs have been division rivals since 2013. The Dodgers celebrated by diving into Chase Field’s pool after they clinched the NL West, and Arizona has been salty ever since. A big part of that is Arizona’s 1-2 punch at the top of their starting rotation, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.</p>
<p id="XMko2e">The Dodgers have hit right-handers Kelly (.342/.430/.443) and Gallen (.341/.420/.659) hard this year. Gallen has surrendered four home runs to the Dodgers this season, and his ERA is 9.90 vs. LAD in two starts (10 IP). </p>
<p id="tB5V3W">The Arizona offense has more firepower than Milwaukee with a team slashline of .250/.322/.408 with 166 home runs and 166 stolen bases. Corbin Caroll’s .868 OPS was ninth-best in the league. Ketel Marte (.843) and Christian Walker (.830 OPS) have also helped lead the Snakes’ offense this season. </p>
<h3 id="U00GZj">The pick</h3>
<p id="0DoiJb">Who do we want the Dodgers to face in the NLDS? Milwaukee’s excellent pitching makes them the favorites to win over the D-backs in the Wild Card round this week. With Burnes and Peralta looming for the Brewers, the D-backs would be the preferred matchup for the Dodgers in the NLDS. </p>
<p id="VwzZxt"></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2023/10/2/23898676/dodgers-wild-card-rooting-guide-brewers-diamondbacksStacie Wheeler2023-09-23T20:48:12-07:002023-09-23T20:48:12-07:00Hot bats and solid defense back Kershaw’s effort
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<img alt="San Francisco Giants v Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Yz8E6xtGMet3lX1X7INn6ffhgHk=/0x0:3287x2191/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72682005/1697954277.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It’s a W for Kershaw in his 215th career home start </p> <p id="ed12KF">Clayton Kershaw took the mound as <em>We Are Young </em>emanated across Chavez Ravine on a Saturday evening in late September. Swirling speculation surrounded the start of Kershaw’s final home start of the 2023 season. The idea of Kershaw’s career possibly coming to a conclusion after 16 incredible seasons with the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> is one in which I’m not ready to face. </p>
<p id="eQPoem">Kershaw’s fastball didn’t tick past 89-mph through the first two innings, but his slider was effective. He was also using his curveball early, and Mitch Haniger was the first victim of Public Enemy No. 1 in the top of the second inning. </p>
<div id="HCwLbD">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clayton Kershaw, Cooperstown Curveball. <a href="https://t.co/QH3T3QTXtC">pic.twitter.com/QH3T3QTXtC</a></p>— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) <a href="https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1705757219050910133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a>
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<p id="7IN3jw">J.D. Martinez got the Dodgers on the board with his 31st home run of the season, a solo shot off San Francisco opener John Brebbia in the home half of the second.</p>
<div id="j5v8DI">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">J.D. can't be stopped! <a href="https://t.co/hE0fJ3NbE3">pic.twitter.com/hE0fJ3NbE3</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1705756464693027322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a>
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<p id="3XjRWl">Kershaw got run support from J.D. Martinez who drove in all three of the Dodgers’ runs. Some solid defense from Max Muncy at the hot corner and David Peralta in left field along with some very generous calls by home plate umpire Mike Estabrook also helped Kershaw’s cause.</p>
<p id="9mKx1Z">Pitch clock violation. Foul off the inner foot. RBI double down the right field line. Martinez doesn’t only hit dingers. The Dodgers’ designated hitter’s 2-RBI double down the right field line gave the Dodgers a 3-0 lead after three innings.</p>
<div id="ibsv2C">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just Dingers strikes again to get the <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dodgers</a> on the board. ☄️ <a href="https://t.co/JAgufzVOD6">pic.twitter.com/JAgufzVOD6</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1705757393848504635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a>
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<p id="id__22zj1o042uj">A run-saving sliding catch by David Peralta in left field ended the fifth. </p>
<div id="hruY2U">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">David's got your back, Kersh. <a href="https://t.co/mrINbZtx3E">pic.twitter.com/mrINbZtx3E</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1705770973876854863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a>
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<p id="toJJ57">The catch also saved Kershaw’s bacon who closed out five scoreless innings of work. The veteran ace only allowed two base hits, struck out five, and walked two on 76 pitches (46 strikes). </p>
<p id="RaWn9T">Freeman displayed the very dance named after him after he hit his 57th double of the season of old friend Ross Stripling. Muncy’s RBI single gave the Dodgers two runs in the frame and a 5-0 lead over their pumpkin-colored rivals.</p>
<p id="m819Ab">Joe Kelly, Michael Grove and Caleb Ferguson pitched four scoreless frames following Kershaw to preserve the shutout and backup their veteran ace.</p>
<p id="CyYpvR">The Dodgers loaded the bases against Stripling with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but the offense failed to capitalize on additional damage against the Giants. The Dodgers didn’t waste another scoring opportunity thereafter and knocked in another two runs in the bottom of the eight on doubles from Peralta and Betts to give L.A. a commanding 7-0 lead and eventual win over the Giants. </p>
<div id="JRrJPZ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mookie Betts now has the most RBI in a single-season by a Major League leadoff hitter — 105.</p>— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/DodgerInsider/status/1705786724625125420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a>
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<p id="4McvU4">The win clinched the bye for the Dodgers in the first round. The Dodgers’ first playoff game is NLDS Game 1 on October 7 at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="2CfsOv">
<h3 id="cDVAVN">Saturday’s particulars</h3>
<p id="wN71kS">Home runs: J.D. Martinez (31)</p>
<p id="MqvIPW">WP — Clayton Kershaw (13-4): 5.0 IP, 0 runs, 2 hits, 5 K, 2 BB</p>
<p id="RV4lv3">LP — John Brebbia (3-2): 1.1 IP, 1 run, 1 hit, 1 K, 1 BB</p>
<h3 id="wyCb7P">Up next</h3>
<p id="8ynWyu">Lance Lynn (12-11, 5.92 ERA, 2.20 HR/9) starts Sunday in the Dodgers’ regular season home finale. First pitch is at 4:10 p.m. PDT on ESPN.</p>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2023/9/23/23887290/hot-bats-and-solid-defense-back-up-clayton-kershaws-5-shutout-innings-in-perhaps-his-last-home-startStacie Wheeler2023-09-23T17:50:00-07:002023-09-23T17:50:00-07:00Dodgers vs. Giants game IX chat
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<img alt="Milwaukee Brewers v Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hMwVAHsEGK_7QGJpA-olLypQn74=/0x0:4048x2699/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72681718/1624240461.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="dxpcxr">Clayton Kershaw (12-4, 2.52 ERA, 1.34 HR/9) goes to the mound for the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> in his final regular-season home start of 2023. There’s speculation that Kershaw is contemplating retirement after this season. Until No. 22 officially hangs up his cleats, I’ll savor each start by the southpaw in Dodger Blue. The 35-year old left-hander’s last scheduled regular season start is slated September 30 at San Francisco.</p>
<p id="6DSiqp">The Dodgers’ Magic Number for a bye in the first round of the postseason is 2.</p>
<h3 id="pTbNKw">Lineups</h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a> lineup vs. Giants: <a href="https://t.co/b8Etq2I1XF">pic.twitter.com/b8Etq2I1XF</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1705697285085225281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2023</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saturday in SoCal <br><br>⏰: 6:10 p.m. PT<br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSGiants?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBCSGiants</a><br> : <a href="https://t.co/u6HWjFPmtr">https://t.co/u6HWjFPmtr</a><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/KNBR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KNBR</a> | KSFN <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFGiants?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SFGiants</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CocaCola?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocaCola</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fib8N7vg9P">pic.twitter.com/Fib8N7vg9P</a></p>— SFGiants (@SFGiants) <a href="https://twitter.com/SFGiants/status/1705727795622797414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2023</a>
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<h3 id="6cl3yK">Game info</h3>
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<li id="ZL3WE1">Teams: <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> vs <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a>
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<li id="tQFNfP">Ballpark: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles</li>
<li id="ipxAAz">Time: 6:10 p.m. PDT</li>
<li id="yx3Lxu">TV: SportsNet LA</li>
<li id="dwj5Kq">Radio: AM 570 (English); KTNQ 1020 (Spanish)</li>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2023/9/23/23886871/dodgers-vs-giants-game-ix-chatStacie Wheeler2023-09-01T22:11:20-07:002023-09-01T22:11:20-07:00Julio Urías is second straight Dodgers starter to be rocked by Braves
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NWW3NCpem-_3rRzwHeWAbaItUZE=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72604680/1654016207.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Another late comeback falls short</p> <p id="mqypT9">We know the <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/">Braves</a> are very good this season. Lance Lynn and Julio Urías were not good in their two starts for the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> against Atlanta this series, making the Braves look even better. The Braves took a 2-0 lead in the series on Friday night at Dodger Stadium with a 6-3 win.</p>
<p id="bohBbc">Julio Urías has been plagued by the home run ball this year. It wasn’t a surprise when the team that hits the most homers in the league took advantage. The Braves offense jumped on Urías for four home runs in four straight innings. While the Braves got to Urías, the Dodgers’ bats only mustered three hits off Fried over seven scoreless innings. </p>
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<p id="CzTAcn">The Braves started their string of solo shots in the second inning when Travis d’Arnaud homered off Urías to make it 1-0.</p>
<p id="5oLbTq">Urías continued to struggle in the frame when he walked Eddie Rosario and Orlando Arcia doubled. Rosario apparently felt froggy and got caught in an aggressive attempt to steal home. Urías threw a perfect strike when needed to mow down Rosario at home. </p>
<p id="EyEXJe">Ronald Acuña Jr. opened the third inning with a solo home run over James Outman’s head and over the center field wall to give the Braves a 2-0 lead. </p>
<p id="id__4e68hs1ylm9">On the flip side, Fried was carving through the Dodgers’ lineup with six strikeouts in the first three innings.</p>
<p id="yFFOKA">Marcell Ozuna hit the third solo home run of the night off Urías in the third. </p>
<p id="5EXMwB">The Braves’ offense kept pouring it on Urías in the fifth with four base hits and two more runs to make it 5-0. </p>
<p id="BnrkEc">One of the best scoring opportunities the Dodgers’ offense had was in the bottom of the seventh when they had Fried on the ropes with two on and two outs. Max Muncy grounded out to third to strand two runners and squash any hope of scoring. </p>
<p id="Fef3Ys">Atlanta did not relent and tacked on a sixth run on three straight hits against reliever Gus Varland in the eighth. </p>
<p id="LrIFht">Things got a bit interesting with two outs in the home half of the eighth when Kolten Wong crushed a three-run home run in his Dodger debut off Atlanta reliever Pierce Johnson to cut the lead in half 6-3.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First Dodger at-bat for Kolten Wong? Homer. <a href="https://t.co/vjsD1BkWCE">pic.twitter.com/vjsD1BkWCE</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1697831160548925698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2023</a>
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<p id="DCgxSg">That would be all the runs the Dodgers scored on the night.</p>
<p id="g9IrTp">Round 2 goes to the Braves.</p>
<h3 id="SDVDed"><strong>Friday particulars</strong></h3>
<p id="hs0UMQ">Home runs: Travis d’Arnaud (10), Ronald Acuña Jr. (31), Marcell Ozuna (32), Kolten Wong (3)</p>
<p id="XtKd0e">WP — Max Fried (5-1): 7 IP, 3 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 10 strikeouts</p>
<p id="ZFs66m">LP — Julio Urías (11-8): 5 IP, 9 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts</p>
<p id="CirQpb">S — Yates (3): 1 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout</p>
<h3 id="HRqrg8"><strong>Up next</strong></h3>
<p id="b4YyHQ">It will be a bullpen game for the Dodgers Saturday night in the third installment of the series. Bryce Elder (11-4, 3.50 ERA, 2.95 BB/9) gets the start for the Braves as they go for the series win. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m. on SportsNet LA. </p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2023/9/1/23856266/julio-urias-is-second-straight-dodgers-starter-to-be-rocked-by-bravesStacie Wheeler2023-09-01T18:50:00-07:002023-09-01T18:50:00-07:00Dodgers vs. Braves Game V chat
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<img alt="MLB: AUG 31 Braves at Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UPYMV-35oFnk-VJ38yZo7zXSM38=/0x0:3704x2469/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72604340/1636811299.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="YiMX7g">The<a href="https://www.truebluela.com/"> Dodgers</a> (83-50) and <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/">Braves</a> (88-45) clash again Friday night at Dodger Stadium. The Braves edged out the Dodgers 8-7 in the series opener, but the L.A. offense nearly came back to overcome a disappointing Lance Lynn start. </p>
<p id="gm69qy">It’s a battle of the lefty aces when Julio Urías (11-7, 4.41 ERA, 1.79 HR/9) takes on Max Fried (5-1, 2.85 ERA, 8.89 K/9) in the second game of four between the two best teams in the NL.</p>
<h3 id="RjPlhM"><strong>Lineups</strong></h3>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a> lineup vs. Braves: <a href="https://t.co/9ro32Wp7Wt">pic.twitter.com/9ro32Wp7Wt</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1697732551107101045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2023</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fried on Friday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForTheA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForTheA</a> <a href="https://t.co/7n2v2hFqyd">pic.twitter.com/7n2v2hFqyd</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1697734727061663762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2023</a>
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<h3 id="BSMACq"><strong>Game info</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="MQ0i0W">Teams: Dodgers vs. Braves</li>
<li id="SNq4eZ">Ballpark: Dodger Stadium</li>
<li id="GB8zFA">Time: 7:10 p.m.</li>
<li id="xKrZiL">TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)</li>
<li id="uo7hci">Radio: AM 570 (English); KTNQ 1020 (Spanish)</li>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2023/9/1/23856057/dodgers-vs-braves-game-v-chatStacie Wheeler