It seems like it happens almost every year around this time — the front office crew of the Dodgers putting their heads together trying to decide whether the potentially positive traits around right-fielder Yasiel Puig outweigh those of the negative nature, and determining if the 25-year-old Cuban native fits into the long term plans of the club moving forward.
Having been mired in a nasty slump for the entirety of the season’s first half, catcher Yasmani Grandal‘s bat came through in a big way on Friday night, rescuing the Dodgers from a three-game losing streak and propelling the club to a 10-6 win against the Padres at Dodger Stadium.
“Well you’re a real tough cookie with a long history Of breaking little hearts like the one in me That’s okay, let’s see how you do it Put up you dukes, let’s get down to it”
~Pat Benatar
Here we are, coming up on another “Midsummer Classic.” And, as a side show to the All-Star game, the Home Run Derby. This will be the third straight year that the Dodgers have had a participant. In 2014, Yasiel Puig did not hit a single home run. In 2015, Joc Pederson made it all the way to the finals before losing by one to winner Todd Frazier, then with the Cincinnati Reds. This year, the Dodgers’ participant is rookie extraordinaire Corey Seager. Seager is the seventh rookie to appear in the Derby, as well as the eighth Dodger player.
Although it’s no secret that the Dodgers have a keen interest in upgrading their bullpen as the trade deadline approaches, the club has been linked to Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce on several occasions, while many fans are left wondering where exactly an offensive upgrade of that nature would fit into the everyday lineup.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier waits to hit during a spring training workout Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. ///ADDITIONAL INFO: dodgers.0229.kjs — Photo by KEVIN SULLIVAN / Orange County Register — 2/28/16 The Los Angeles Dodgers. 2016 Dodgers Spring Training at Camelback Ranch Sunday February 28, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. 2/28/16
(Photo Credit: Kevin Sullivan/OC Register)
While most of Andre Ethier‘s time on the disabled list has been relatively quiet in terms of news surrounding the healing of his cracked tibia, Dodgers‘ manager Dave Roberts gave the media a brief update on Wednesday which revealed an August 2 target date of returning to the bigs.
The Dodgers will take another step in attempting to bolster their starting rotation on Thursday when the club activates lefty Hyun-jin Ryu from the 60-day disabled list to start the series opener against the Padres.
Newley reinstated pitcher Brandon McCarthy throws on the mound today against the Colorado Rockies. Jill Weisleder/Dodgers
“You were pretty as can be, sitting in the front seat Looking at me, telling me you love me And your happy to be with me on the 4th of July”
~Shooter Jennings
It’s been four days since the news came that Clayton Kershaw would be put on the disabled list for his back. I’m definitely feeling better now than I did then. In those four days, all the Dodgers have done is win every game, allowing only one run from opposing teams, welcomed back a long lost starter, and gained a game on San Francisco Giants in the standings.
With staff ace Clayton Kershaw on the shelf until at least mid-July nursing a lower-back ailment, members of the Dodgers‘ latest starting rotation crew are set to close out the first half of the season on a strong note before earning four days of well-deserved rest over the All-Star break.
Baseball writers selected Dodgers‘ shortstop Corey Seager as June’s National League Rookie of the Month on Saturday, giving the 22-year-old rookie his first career monthly award in what appears to be one of many down a long and very productive road.
“And should I fall behind
Wait for me
Darlin’ I’ll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me”
~Bruce Springsteen
The other day, when the news came down about Clayton Kershaw having back spasms and maybe facing a DL stint, I facetiously tweeted “RIP Dodgers season.” Now that’s not fair, or entirely true, that one player can make or break a season, being on (what is hopefully) a short stay on the disabled list. But if there’s any player that that sentiment would apply to, it would be Kershaw.