What a difference a day/team/series makes. After barely pulling out one win in four against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers have gone on to sweep a four game series from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Dodgers scored 29 over the four game series, that was all played within 41 hours. They also scored a season high 12 runs in the third game of the series, and the second game of a day/night double header. True to many of the games so far this season, the Dodgers had to come from behind in three of the four games.
Los Angeles hit six home runs, up from previous games but still more relying on timely hitting. Still, the Dodgers are scoring most of their runs in bulk, often gaining most of their runs in a single inning.
The pitching was still not completely on point. There were high points, like Tyler Anderson going seven strong innings of two run ball, and Tony Gonsolin’s six innings of the same. David Price looked really good in his return from the Covid IL. He faced four batters, struck out three and induced a fly out for the fourth out.
But Walker Buehler had to navigate through traffic, allowing two runs over 5.0 innings and only striking out four. Still, he escaped a no out, bases loaded jam, striking out two and inducing a fly out. Craig Kimbrel came in to close twice, and while allowing three runs, still managed not to lose the lead in both games.
There were a slew of pitching moves and news on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Clayton Kershaw had been scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday, but was still feeling soreness in his pelvis. The Hall of Fame lefty will still keep throwing, but when he will be throwing off a mound remains to be determined.
Andrew Heaney said on Wednesday that his 15-pitch bullpen on Tuesday went well, and that he feels like he will be back in a matter of weeks instead of months. The focus now will be building his arm back up, barring any setbacks. He will go through the usual standards of sim games and a rehab assignment.
Reliever Tommy Kahnle was sent to the 15-day IL on Tuesday, battling right forearm tightness. Kahnle had just returned to the bigs after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
“The last few days haven’t been too great,” Kahnle said. “So I’ve just kind of been trying to deal with it. Yesterday … it just didn’t feel too good so I told them and they kind of made the decision to put me on the IL and go from there.”
“I mean, I’m not too concerned. But also it sucks,” Kahnle continued. “I’ve been through a long rehab process, with Tommy John and all this stuff. But it sucks. It’s not the best.”
Kahnle was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Wednesday.
Caleb Ferguson pitched a scoreless inning in Monday’s game, in his major league return after also dealing with Tommy John surgery. He was then optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City after the game. He is still unable to pitch in back to back games. In the corresponding move, Justin Bruihl was recalled. He provided a scoreless inning of work in his appearance Wednesday.
Shane Greene, who was brought to the team on Sunday and pitched two scoreless innings of relief, was designated for assignment in the corresponding move for David Price to return to the team.
After an off day travel day, the Dodgers will start a 10 game road trip starting in Philadelphia, continuing on the Washington, and ending in Arizona.
Buehler looked stressed to me. And a stat was given about what the league is suddenly doing to his fastball. I think I heard something about .400. Maybe we can get a fact check on that?
The shuttle continues.
Of course he looked stressed. Saw himself in the mirror and didn’t like the way those loose fitting pants looked.
I heard the same thing you did (although I don’t remember the exact number) about the extremely high opponents’ average against his fastball. On the other hand, when he really needed it in that one inning, he was able to reach back and come up with it.
He’s not making any excuses. Was really honest in his postgame interview in saying that he still has work to do to get where he wants to be. On the other hand he does tend to start most seasons a bit slowly. I’m not overly worried about him……………………but maybe I should be?
I went to yesterday’s game. Buehler was in constant trouble after a clean first inning. But he managed to right the ship each time giving up just two. Bellinger looked a lot better at the plate and Betts looks locked in. Broadcast team will not travel with the team to Philly due to a Covid outbreak. No further details.
Buehler doesn’t seem to have the same jump on his fastball to put hitters away with a K. And his offspeed stuff was missing by so much. That the batters weren’t offering. When he is like that, his pitch count gets high. He was lucky to get the W. But I have faith he will pitch like an ace across the season.
Speaking of Aces, the Mets are finding out how risky it is to give $43M a year to an aging pitcher with Scherzer going on IL for 6-8 weeks.
Yes COVIID is not going away. My wife and I are both getting over it now. Her for first time. Second go for me. Been feeling pretty crappy but not nearly as bad as first time which was pre- vaccines. On the positive side I’ve lost 7 pounds but not the preferred method.