True Blue LA - April 27: Reds 6, Dodgers 5Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2021-04-28T05:01:00-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/221698792021-04-28T05:01:00-07:002021-04-28T05:01:00-07:00Victor Gonzalez and Mitch White placed on COVID IL
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<img alt="Los Angeles Dodgers v San Diego Padres" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rs9ErMo9EOneKvLLnCttLxZVMAE=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69198002/1313060093.0.jpg" />
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<p>They won’t miss much more time </p> <p id="5ft1w4">As if the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> couldn’t place any more players on the Injured List, they added two more prior to the start of Tuesday’s game. Luckily, it appears that both players will be back shortly. </p>
<p id="3mQFfe">Victor Gonzalez and Mitch White were placed on the IL prior to Tuesday’s game, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed with reporters following the game that it was a result of them getting their COVID-19 vaccine. </p>
<p id="jjTmE5">“The hope is tomorrow they’ll be back,” he said. “We just don’t know. It can be a day or two. I do anticipate us making a move for tomorrow’s roster, I just don’t know now what it’s going to be.” </p>
<p id="7xirXB">Prior to the game, Roberts spoke with reporters and told them some players received the vaccine after Monday’s game and there might be moves made. Those moves included recalling DJ Peters and Garrett Cleavinger from the alternate site. </p>
<p id="88KJJ9">At this point, it’s just a waiting game as to how long both Gonzalez and White react to their shot. There’s a chance that both players could return, but there’s also a chance neither player is ready yet. The good news is that it looks like both players should be good to go for the series in Milwaukee. </p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/4/28/22407201/victor-gonzalez-mitch-white-los-angeles-dodgers-newsBlake Harris2021-04-27T22:28:33-07:002021-04-27T22:28:33-07:00Dodgers lose third consecutive game and second straight series
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<img alt="Cincinnati Reds v Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X9JOEj0-JEWrD-TqGdisp6rY4EY=/0x0:3720x2480/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69197246/1232570173.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>They’ve now lost seven of their last nine games </p> <p id="qhjjv5">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> took the lead two separate times on Tuesday night, but the bullpen surrendered the lead yet again, as the Reds defeated the Dodgers 6-5. With the loss, LA has now lost seven of their last nine games. </p>
<p id="Q41wUd">Due to the Giants losing, the Dodgers remain tied for first place in the NL West. </p>
<p id="MhqG6j">Walker Buehler allowed a home run to Jesse Winker on the very first pitch of the game. He settled down nicely after that, as he had eight strikeouts through the first four innings. Buehler finished the game with a season-high 10 strikeouts, but got roughed up a bit. He allowed five runs on seven hits in 6 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> innings of action. </p>
<p id="bxMDvH">The Dodgers took the lead in the fourth inning thanks to Will Smith. Justin Turner and Max Muncy (shocker) reached with a walk to begin the inning. Smith connected on his third home run of the season, sending it 425 feet to give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead. </p>
<p id="dSaDvz">Their lead was short-lived, as the Reds answered right back, scoring two runs in the top of the fifth to tie the game at three. </p>
<p id="h0Bdu4">A two-run sixth inning put the Dodgers back on top in the sixth inning, but they could have desperately used a couple more when given the opportunity. With runners on second and third, Matt Beaty singled in two runs, giving LA the 5-3 edge. After Mookie Betts and Corey Seager walked, the bases were loaded with two outs for Justin Turner. </p>
<p id="LaZarw">A base hit from Turner would have likely scored at least two runs, opening up the door more for the Dodgers. Instead, he swung and the first pitch and grounded out, stranding the three runners on base. Turns out, those runs that were left on base proved to be crucial. </p>
<p id="gkkiQN">Cincinnati began the seventh with back-to-back hits, immediately cutting LA’s lead down to one run. The Dodgers were one strike away from escaping the inning up a run, but Scott Alexander allowed Joey Votto to double in the tying and go-ahead run, putting the Reds ahead 6-5. </p>
<p id="SARc8L">The Dodgers didn’t record a hit in the final three innings. Before you leave, check out this incredible stat. The offense just can’t get anything going. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heading to the bottom of the 9th in LA...<br><br>The Dodgers have not scored a run after the 7th inning in any of their last 8 games, and were held scoreless in the eight inning tonight. Let's see what happens...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reds?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reds</a></p>— Inside Edge (@IE_MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/IE_MLB/status/1387274572190289920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2021</a>
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<h3 id="rYq39D">Tuesday particulars </h3>
<p id="hp5mWf">WP: Ryan Hendrix (1-0) <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> IP, 1 BB</p>
<p id="G79E02">LP: Scott Alexander (0-2) 1 IP, 1 ER</p>
<p id="u4o4O4">SV: Sean Doolittle (1) 1 IP, 0 ER</p>
<p id="9ToNUl">HR: Will Smith (3) Jesse Winker (6)</p>
<p id="FvzGmf"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/reds-vs-dodgers/2021/04/27/634379#game_state=live,game_tab=plays,game=634379">Box score </a></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/4/27/22407164/los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-cincinnati-reds-recap-walker-buehlerBlake Harris2021-04-27T18:53:09-07:002021-04-27T18:53:09-07:00Game thread: Dodgers look to get back in win column
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<figcaption>Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>LA has lost two in a row and 6 of their last 8</p> <div id="rKY4ly">
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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. Reds: <a href="https://t.co/QRGZHR1dzV">pic.twitter.com/QRGZHR1dzV</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1387184946893123587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some new guy is playing third base tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/PNCBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PNCBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/kAGyYlyz5T">pic.twitter.com/kAGyYlyz5T</a></p>— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reds/status/1387173489170333708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a>
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<h3 id="ysgYeu">Game info</h3>
<p id="BWAQev">First pitch: 7:10 p.m. PT</p>
<p id="GKDVjh">TV: SportsNet LA</p>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2021/4/27/22406914/game-thread-dodgers-look-to-get-back-in-win-columnBlake Harris2021-04-27T16:54:59-07:002021-04-27T16:54:59-07:00A lot of familiarity in Dodgers lineup tonight
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<figcaption>Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Dodgers look to put an end to this losing streak</p> <p id="hce4lx">Although the season isn’t even a month underway, it seems as if we haven’t really had a solid look at what a lineup for the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> could look like come October. Well, tonight’s is certainly the closest we’ve come in some time. </p>
<p id="ajUqZx">All nine players in the Dodgers lineup tonight saw an extended amount of time for the Dodgers last season, and will likely be key. components on the 26-man roster come playoff time. </p>
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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. Reds: <a href="https://t.co/QRGZHR1dzV">pic.twitter.com/QRGZHR1dzV</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1387184946893123587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a>
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<p id="gUydl9">With numerous injuries over the last few weeks, the Dodgers have fielded numerous different lineups featuring lots of minor-league players who likely wouldn’t be seeing this much playing time had everyone been healthy. </p>
<p id="pMDDvf">LA has been slumping as of late, losing six of their last eight games. The offense has been in a major slump, but tonight’s lineup seems like the perfect lineup to bring the spark back and get a winning streak going. Manager Dave Roberts is even calling his shot. </p>
<p id="YBS7gd">“We’re going to break out of the slump tonight because Walker is going to pitch well and we’re going to score more than they do.” Roberts said. </p>
<h3 id="pOzLVC">News and notes </h3>
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<li id="ltrqkN">AJ Pollock had a 24-hour stomach bug, hence why we haven’t seen in recently. Dave Roberts said he’s feeling fine and is available off the bench and will be in the lineup tomorrow. </li>
<li id="NIGWMQ">Dodgers will throw Trevor Bauer on Thursday. They might use a spot starter during the weekend in Milwaukee. Prior to the David Price injury, he was expected to make one start against the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a>. </li>
<li id="4AV3wY">Cody Bellinger is going to head to Arizona this weekend and rehab at the alternate site. He’ll see live pitching. Trending in the right direction. Pain has been subsiding, did 40 percent bodyweight running and came out of it feeling good. </li>
<li id="YJ2AqC">Joe Kelly will throw tomorrow. There’s a chance he could return at some point during the road trip depending on how he feels after tomorrow. </li>
<li id="lG9PaU">Roberts said he’s received his second vaccine shot. Said more Dodgers players have gotten theirs, but they are still close to the 85 percent threshold goal. Expects team to reach it next week. </li>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2021/4/27/22406710/los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-notesBlake Harris2021-04-26T11:29:00-07:002021-04-26T11:29:00-07:00Dodgers and Reds get together after bad weeks
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<p>Both offenses have seen better days</p> <p id="OiaeIh">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and Reds have <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=nl&qual=0&type=8&season=2021&month=0&season1=2021&ind=0&team=0,ts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2021-01-01&enddate=2021-12-31&sort=17,d">the two best wRC+ in the National League</a>, own <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2021-standard-batting.shtml">the top two NL batting averages</a>, and rank third and first, respectively in runs scored per game. The Dodgers lead the NL in on-base percentage (.346), and the Reds lead in slugging percentage (.450).</p>
<p id="IGcs9b">These are two good offenses, but both are coming off putrid weeks. And they meet for three games beginning Monday night at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p id="UqfKMH">Even a pair of solid offensive games Saturday and Sunday couldn’t <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/4/26/22395243/dodgers-week-4-pitching-good-offense-bad">save the Dodgers from a losing week</a>, and even with those 12 runs over the last two games the club is averaging under three runs per game and hitting .174/.289/.298 over the last eight.</p>
<p id="dTyV2r">Cincinnati is hitting just .214/.295/.391 during their seven-game losing streak. One of those losses was an 11-run outburst with six home runs. In the other six games they hit four home runs and scored 18 total runs.</p>
<p id="7SKqGR">For the Dodgers, they will rely on the starting pitching that has carried them in the early going, overcoming several injuries to the offense and a shaky bullpen with mounting injuries of its own. The three starters in this series — Julio Urías, Walker Buehler, and Clayton Kershaw — all pitched seven innings in their last start. Dodgers starters lead MLB, averaging 6.2 innings per start.</p>
<p id="3fqoYN">Urías on Monday is on five days rest after striking out a career-high 11 in a career-long seven innings in his last start. But Buehler and Kershaw will be on four days rest, which we reflexively refer to as “regular rest,” though I’m not sure if that’s true anymore. The Dodgers this season have had seven starts on four days rest, which matches their total for the 60-game 2020 season.</p>
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<p id="TlYBrq">Last year was weird with a pandemic and expanded rosters, but the trend of giving extra rest has been prevalent for a few years. In 2018-19 combined, only 28 percent of Dodgers starts came on four days rest, and the last year in which four days rest was the team’s most common usage was 2016, with all of 57 starts that season.</p>
<p id="c5KA51">The Reds series will get the Dodgers halfway through a stretch of 14 games in 14 days, and it’s likely the Dodgers will insert a spot starter at some point in the second week of that stretch.</p>
<p id="n5XV4f">“Something could potentially happen in Milwaukee, but I don’t know yet,” manager Dave Roberts said Sunday, referring to the upcoming four-game series against the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> this weekend.</p>
<p id="QwN1wo">The main candidate to either start or handle a large chunk of the innings in such a game, David Price, injured his hamstring on Sunday, and we’ll find out the severity of that injury today. With Tony Gonsolin still nursing a shoulder injury at Camelback Ranch, there aren’t many options for a true spot start should the Dodgers choose that route, especially if Mitch White is not yet stretched out and still being groomed as a reliever as he was at the end of spring training.</p>
<p id="HkHapT">Which means the most likely course of action to give the rotation extra rest is a bullpen game, but the timing and availability of enough relievers for that will depend on usage in this series against the Reds.</p>
<p id="nBks7r">As for Cincinnati, they will send Tyler Mahle, Jeff Hoffman, and Sonny Gray to the mound, part of a stretch that will likely see the Dodgers face eight consecutive right-handed starters through Sunday. Seems like a good time for Gavin Lux to return from the injured list, which is expected on Monday, and possibly for Edwin Ríos to break out of his 4-for-38 start to his season.</p>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2021/4/26/22404081/dodgers-reds-series-preview-slumping-offense-starting-pitching-matchupsEric Stephen