True Blue LA - August 19: Dodgers 8, Padres 6Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2014-08-19T23:13:14-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/58099402014-08-19T23:13:14-07:002014-08-19T23:13:14-07:00Greinke has sore elbow, Thursday start in doubt
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<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> starting rotation had been a strength of the club all season, but with the depth chart currently stretched thin as is, there could be even more carnage looming. <span>Zack Greinke</span> has elbow soreness and likely won't start for the Dodgers in the series finale against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> on Thursday.</p>
<p>Manager Don Mattingly wouldn't confirm after Tuesday's game that Greinke would start the series finale.</p>
<p>"Nothing that we would talk about right now," Mattingly said. "It's a possibility."</p>
<p>Asked if <span>Carlos Frias</span> would make a spot start if Greinke is unavailable, Mattingly remained evasive.</p>
<p>"We'll let you know more tomorrow," Mattingly said.</p>
<p>Greinke skipped a bullpen session between starts this week, something he has done multiple times this season. But Mattingly did say that Greinke threw on the off day Monday.</p>
<p>The right-hander is 12-8 with a 2.75 ERA in 25 starts this season, with 170 strikeouts and 35 walks in 157⅓ innings, in the second year of a six-year, $147 million contract.</p>
<p>The Dodgers have lost Greinke's last three starts, the first two of which he allowed a total of nine runs. He pitched scoreless ball in his last start on Friday but also walked five and was removed after 99 pitches and just five innings. After that game Greinke said he felt stronger than he did in recent starts, but hinted at something bothering him over his previous outings.</p>
<p>"I'm starting to feel stronger now. Hopefully, I start pitching better in the coming starts. The last month and a half has been a tough stretch, facing a lot of good teams and good offenses," Greinke said Friday. "I'm not getting the wins pitching, but am trying to keep it together and not get too out of whack."</p>
<p>Mattingly downplayed Greinke's situation before Tuesday's game, but confirmed he was dealing with elbow soreness.</p>
<p>"There is always something with guys. Obviously he said he felt better. He was having some soreness," Mattingly said. "You'd have to say something is going on medically, but nothing that's on my radar. He's not on my daily emails."</p>
<h5>Up next</h5>
<p>Before Thursday's series finale there is a middle game on Wednesday night, started by <span>Roberto Hernandez</span> for the Dodgers and <span>Eric Stults</span> for the Padres.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/8/19/6047571/zack-greinke-elbow-soreness-thursday-start-dodgersEric Stephen2014-08-19T22:33:05-07:002014-08-19T22:33:05-07:00Crawford leads offense as Dodgers top Padres
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<figcaption>Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Dodgers scored eight runs in a game for the first time since July 29.</p> <p>LOS ANGELES -- <span>Carl Crawford</span> homered and had three hits, leading a much-needed offensive revival by the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a> in an 8-6 win over the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Padres</a> in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p>Crawford was 3-for-3 with a walk, scoring three and driving in three. His two-run home run off <span>Alex Torres</span> in the seventh inning widened the Dodgers' lead to 8-4, and was his first home run since May 23, after a span of 132 plate appearances.</p>
<p>Crawford has 16 hits in his last 31 at-bats.</p>
<p>Things started ugly for <span>Kevin Correia</span>, who fell behind 3-0 just four hitters into the game, when a one-out double by <span>Abraham Almonte</span> and walk to Dodger killer <span>Seth Smith</span> were followed by <span>Jedd Gyorko</span>, who hit one to the black tarp over the seats in center field, adding to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/8/18/6031461/jedd-gyorko-padres-home-runs-record-second-base" target="_blank">his much-ballyhooed franchise record</a>.</p>
<p>But though like Sunday they were down big early, the Dodgers offense didn't do away quietly on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Crawford singled with one out in the second inning, then scored on an RBI double for Justin Turner. That was followed by an RBI single by <span>Erisbel Arruebarrena</span> in his first at-bat since rejoining the club from Triple-A, pulling the Dodgers to within a run.</p>
<p>The same crew was involved in a three-run fifth inning, one started with a double by <span>Matt Kemp</span>, one of his two doubles in the game. After Crawford walked, Turner hit his second double of the game, but it was the most bizarre play of the night. The ball sailed over Almonte's head in center field, but Kemp tagged up at second thinking the ball might be caught. Crawford was on Kemp's tail as both headed for third base with Turner running to second. Kemp had no choice but to try to score and would have been out by a mile had first baseman <span>Jake Goebbert</span> not cut the relay throw off and hold it.</p>
<p>The Dodgers added another run in the fifth, the last inning for Padres starter <span>Ian Kennedy</span>.</p>
<p>The Dodgers offense scored eight runs for the first time since July 29. Crawford said a pregame team meeting coupled with Monday's day off helped the offense find its groove.</p>
<p>"We lost three straight games, just trying to get back on track," Crawford said. "That day off was good for us. It felt good to get that rest in and come out strong today."</p>
<p>Crawford's home run in the seventh was his first off a left-handed pitcher since April 10, 2013, when he took Wednesday starter <span>Eric Stults</span> deep.</p>
<p>Correia recovered from that early 3-0 deficit to keep the Padres in check until the fifth, when three straight San Diego hits produced another run. Correia won his second game as a Dodger and tied his season high with six strikeouts, set previously on May 20 also against the Padres.</p>
<p>Correia was pulled after five innings, but said in his second start with a new team he didn't lobby hard to remain in the game, especially knowing the bullpen was fresh after a day off Monday.</p>
<p>"I haven't pitched in the National League for a couple of years," Correia quipped. "I want to get my feet wet before I start yelling at coaches to go back out there."</p>
<p><span>Kenley Jansen</span><span class="sbn-auto-link"> walked <span>Will Venable</span> to open the ninth inning, his first walk since July 29. Jansen had struck out 13 of his 29 batters faced in between walks. Venable scored and Jansen gave up two more hits, but Almonte was thrown out after rounding third base for the final out of the game. </span></p>
<p>The final play was reviewed, but after replay the call was upheld to preserve the win.</p>
<p>Jansen <span class="sbn-auto-link">recorded </span>his 35th save of the season, the most by a Dodgers pitcher since <span>Jonathan Broxton</span> saved 36 games in 2009.</p>
<h5>Tuesday particulars</h5>
<p><b>Home runs</b>: Carl Crawford (5); Jedd Gyorko (9)</p>
<p><b>WP - Kevin Correia (7-13)</b>: 5 IP, 8 hits, 4 runs, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts</p>
<p><b>LP - Ian Kennedy (9-11)</b>: 5 IP, 7 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), 2 walks, 5 strikeouts</p>
<p><b>Sv - Kenley Jansen (35)</b>: 1 IP, 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/8/19/6047779/carl-crawford-offense-dodgers-padres-recapEric Stephen2014-08-19T15:33:35-07:002014-08-19T15:33:35-07:00Arruebarrena recalled, Triunfel optioned
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> on Tuesday afternoon recalled infielder <span>Erisbel Arruebarrena</span> from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned infielder <span>Carlos Triunfel</span> back to the Isotopes before the opener of their three-game series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p>Arruebarrena was <a target="_blank" href="http://www.truebluela.com/2014/8/14/6004347/erisbel-arruebarrena-disabled-list-triple-a-shoulder">on the seven-day disabled list in Triple-A with right shoulder inflammation</a>, retroactive to Aug. 10, and played the last three days on a rehab assignment in the Arizona rookie league, going 4-for-11 (.364) with two home runs and two doubles.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h4>Starting Lineups</h4>
<table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#996600" width="125"><font color="#ffff66"><b>Padres</b></font></td>
<td colspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#1e90ff" width="125"><font color="#ffffff"><b><span class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</span></b></font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Solarte (S)<br>
</td>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Gordon (L)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CF</td>
<td>Almonte (S)<br>
</td>
<td>CF</td>
<td>Puig</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LF</td>
<td>Smith (L)<br>
</td>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Gonzalez (L)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Gyorko</td>
<td>RF</td>
<td>Kemp</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Goebbert (L)<br>
</td>
<td>LF</td>
<td>Crawford (L)<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RF</td>
<td>Liriano</td>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Turner<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Rivera</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Arruebarrena<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Amarista (L)<br>
</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Ellis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P</td>
<td>Kennedy</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>Correia</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<span><b>Location</b>: Dodger Stadium<br> <b>Time</b>: 7:10 p.m. PT<br> <b>TV</b>: SportsNet LA</span>
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<p>Arruebarrena starts at shortstop in his first game back, and manager Don Mattingly hinted that could be the case more often at least until Hanley Ramirez gets back, over Miguel Rojas, who has started eight of the last 11 games at the position.</p>
<p>"We like both guys. Miggy has shown he probably plays more second, short, and third. He definitely gives you a different package," Mattingly said. "Arruebarrena has been really good at shortstop, and we feel like that's his best spot, and he has a chance to be good offensively."</p>
<p>In his earlier stint with the Dodgers, Arruebarrena was 5-for-16 (.313) with a double and a walk, and played eight games at shortstop, including four starts. With the Isotopes, Arruebarena hit .333/.400/.452 in 26 games.</p>
<p>Triunfel continues his shuttle back and forth between Los Angeles and Albuquerque. In his fifth stint with the club, which lasted all of two games, Triunfel was 0-for-1. On the season with the Dodgers he is 2-for-15 with a home run and a walk.</p>
<p>With Albuquerque, Triunfel hit .219/.251/.317 in 79 games.</p>
<h5>San Diego roster move</h5>
<p>The Padres purchased the contract of southpaw Frank Garces from Double-A San Antonio, and optioned pitcher <span>Jesse Hahn</span> to San Antonio. To make room on the 40-man roster for Garces, infielder <span>Brooks Conrad</span> was designated for assignment.</p>
<h5>Broadcast note</h5>
<p>Wednesday night's game against the Padres will be broadcast on SportsNet LA, but will also be available on ESPN, with Jon Sciambi, Rick Sutcliffe and Pedro Gomez on the call. The ESPN broadcast is a full national telecast, meaning it will not be blacked out in each team's local market.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/8/19/6046497/erisbel-arruebarrena-recalled-dodgers-carlos-triunfel-optionedEric Stephen2014-08-19T13:30:06-07:002014-08-19T13:30:06-07:00Correia starts opener vs. Padres
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<figcaption>Scott Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- If the baseball season were a golf course, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> would be in the deep rough as they welcome the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> to town for a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p>The club has lost three straight games for the third time this season, and though they have yet to lose four straight games now seems like a time an extended skid could be coming.</p>
<p>Winning the division — owning a 3½-game lead in the National League West entering Tuesday — is still the goal, having the best record in the NL is still within reach — currently 1½ games behind Washington — but for the most part the Dodgers are just trying to get by at this point, to save par if you will.</p>
<p><span>Hanley Ramirez</span> and <span>Juan Uribe</span> are currently on the disabled list, and while <span>Miguel Rojas</span> (defensively) and <span>Justin Turner</span> have filled in admirably to date, the bench is weakened with their climb up the depth chart. The offense is averaging just 3.44 runs per game in its last 34 games, including 15 games of two or fewer runs during that time.</p>
<p>In the Dodgers' last 18 home games they have scored 50 runs, only 2.77 runs per game. But even with the lack of scoring the club is 9-9 at Dodger Stadium during that span, thanks to great pitching.</p>
<p>But even that gets tested now, with <span>Hyun-jin Ryu</span> and <span>Josh Beckett</span> on the disabled list. Newcomers a <span>Kevin Correia</span> and <span>Roberto Hernandez</span> have each gotten off to great starts after their August acquisitions, with three six-inning starts allowing a total of four runs with 15 strikeouts and five walks. But to count on that going forward based on their full-season performances could be unwise.</p>
<p>Among <a target="_blank" href="http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/Js5Ym">the 164 pitchers to have made 10 starts in 2014</a>, here is the current back end of the Dodgers' rotation:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<span>Dan Haren</span>: 127th in ERA (4.59), 144th in ERA+ (77), 132nd in FIP (4.50)<br>
</li>
<li>Hernandez: 77th in ERA (3.72), 83rd in ERA+ (99), 127th in FIP (4.42)<br>
</li>
<li>Correia: 137th in ERA (4.79), 128th in ERA+ (83), 113th in FIP (4.25)</li>
</ul>
<p>Correia gets the call on Tuesday night against San Diego, starting against one of his former teams. It is his second start against the Padres this month, having allowed three runs in six innings against San Diego on Aug. 6.</p>
<p>The general formula for the Dodgers is to get six innings out of their starers, something Correia has done 10 times in his last 12 starts, including <i>exactly</i> six innings nine times, with a 3.52 ERA during that span.</p>
<p>The Dodgers are 7-3 in 10 games against the Padres this season, with little to no offense in their matchups. The Dodgers have outscored San Diego 27-22 this season, with more than six combined runs scored only twice, both Dodgers losses.</p>
<p>But continuing this tortured, forced golf analogy, a baseball season is split into 18 nine-game segments, and the Dodgers are through 14 of them. The next nine-game segment begins Tuesday night, and the team that tees off will likely end up winning.</p>
<p>Enter Correia, who at 2-for-2 is one of <a target="_blank" href="http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/jkPxT">five players in Dodgers history to bat 1.000 with at least two career plate appearances</a>.</p>
<h5>Game info</h5>
<p>Time: 7:10 p.m. PT</p>
<p>TV: SportsNet LA</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/8/19/6006693/dodgers-padres-previewEric Stephen2014-08-18T17:00:06-07:002014-08-18T17:00:06-07:00Dodgers-Padres scheduled starters
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<figcaption>Scott Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- The suddenly slumping <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> try to recover from getting swept in a three-game series for the first time all season when they open a weekday series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. San Diego since the All-Star break is 17-11, owners of the second-best record in the National League during that time.</p>
<p>The Dodgers will use Monday's off day much like they used last Monday's spot start by <span>Kevin Correia</span>, to give everyone in the rotation an extra day of rest in the dog days of summer. But with <span>Hyun-jin Ryu</span> now on the shelf, Correia is back in the mix, starting the opener against San Diego.</p>
<p>Here is a quick look at the starting pitching matchups for three games against the Padres.</p>
<h5>Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA)</h5>
<p>Correia makes his sixth start against the Padres since leaving San Diego after 2010. He is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA facing San Diego since then, including two starts earlier this season while with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a>, allowing three runs in six innings both times, one win and one no-decision. The Dodgers got to <span>Ian Kennedy</span> for eight runs in 10 innings in his first two starts against them this year, but he fired eight scoreless innings in a no-decision in Los Angeles on July 12.</p>
<h5>Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA, ESPN)</h5>
<p><span>Roberto Hernandez</span> has allowed just three runs in 12 innings since joining the Dodgers, striking out five in six innings in both of his starts. Old friend <span>Eric Stults</span> is tied with Correia and a few others for the major league lead with 13 losses, but in August the left-hander has been solid, posting a 2-0 record with four runs allowed in three starts.</p>
<h5>Thursday, 7:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)</h5>
<p><span>Zack Greinke</span> since the All-Star break has walked five in a game twice in six starts and is 1-3, but he also has 39 strikeouts in 38⅔ innings and a 2.79 ERA during that span. <span>Tyson Ross</span> has 11 straight quality starts, dating back to June 21, with a 1.97 ERA, 72 strikeouts and 20 walks in 73 innings during that span.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2014/8/18/6028185/dodgers-padres-tv-shedule-starting-pitchersEric Stephen