For a third straight year and sixth time overall since Camelback Ranch opened in 2009, the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers meet in a Cactus League opener for both clubs. Last spring, Los Angeles won two of three games against Chicago.
Overall, the Dodgers are 3-6 in their Cactus League openers since re-locating to Arizona for Spring Training. Clayton Kershaw once again gets the nod, though rather than the traditional two innings pitched during a spring debut, he’s expected to go just one frame.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained that’s in response to a longer camp this year because of the World Baseball Classic. Alex Wood and Josh Ravin are among the relievers expected to follow Kershaw in Saturday’s contest.
The White Sox counter with right-handed prospect Carson Fulmer. He allowed three runs on seven hits and issued three walks in 4.1. innings of a spring start against the Dodgers last year. Fulmer was selected No. 8 overall by the White Sox in the 2015 Draft.
Rob Segedin starts at first base in place of Adrian Gonzalez, who remains on the mend from right-elbow tendinitis. Logan Forsythe makes his Dodgers debut and hits leadoff, and so too does Franklin Gutierrez, who is the club’s designated hitter.
