Dodgers at Giants
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ extensive disabled list continues to expand, but it doesn’t appear to be affecting the product on the field. The Dodgers are 4-2 heading into Sunday’s series finale against the host San Francisco Giants, who have an identical record with a lineup that has homered in each of the team's first six games.
Outfielder Carl Crawford, who has been battling back problems since the middle of spring training, became the 11th player to join the Dodgers’ disabled list on Saturday. "He’s trying to play through it. For us, quit trying to play both sides, him trying to be available but not certain he’s available," manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “This gives him a chance to nip it. The DL seems the prudent decision. It takes pressure off him and provides us flexibility.” Scott Van Slyke, Crawford’s primary replacement, exited Saturday's game with lower back tightness and is listed as day-to-day. The Giants are remarkably healthy with no players on the disabled list, and they locked in another key part of their infield Saturday as first baseman Brandon Belt signed a six-year, $79 million contract extension.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Scott Kazmir (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Giants RH Johnny Cueto (1-0, 1.29)
Kazmir made a strong impression with his new club last Tuesday by holding San Diego to one hit in six scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 3-0 victory. “The fastball, the cutter, he threw great changeups,” Roberts told reporters. “He really executed the scouting report. I couldn’t have scripted it any better.” Belt has homered twice in six at-bats against Kazmir, who is 1-1 with a 1.42 ERA in two career starts against the Giants.
Cueto showed why the Giants signed the 30-year-old to a six-year, $130 million contact during the offseason by tossing seven innings of one-run ball against Milwaukee last Tuesday. “He just has great savvy, stuff, everything,” manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. “He’s enjoyable to watch.” Chase Utley is 9-for-21 with a home run against Cueto, who is 2-5 with a 2.79 ERA in eight career starts against the Dodgers.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Giants have won 10 of their last 13 games against the Dodgers at AT&T Park.
2. The Dodgers recalled INF/OF Micah Johnson from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Crawford’s roster spot.
3. Los Angeles C Yasmani Grandal (forearm) and 2B Howie Kendrick (calf) remain on schedule to return for Tuesday’s home opener.