As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to audition pitchers for the fifth and final spot in the starting rotation, different names have produced mixed results. Although he’s largely on the outside looking in, Ross Stripling has the opportunity to throw his name in the hat against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.
The Dodgers optioned Stripling to Minor League camp in the middle of the month, but additional injuries have cracked open the window. Stripling has made three relief appearances this spring, allowing just one hit, collecting six strikeouts and issuing three walks over six scoreless innings pitched.
Taking the mound for the Padres is right-hander Colin Rea. He began Spring Training on a high note through his first three outings before faltering a bit. After allowing a combined five hits and one run over nine innings pitched, Rea has steadily declined over his last two starts.
On March 19 against the Colorado Rockies, Rea gave up nine hits and five runs in just five innings pitched. The 11th-round pick in the 2011 draft followed that outing by allowing five runs on six hits against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Carl Crawford, the presumed starting left fielder after Andre Ethier’s injury, again bats leadoff. Yasiel Puig makes consecutive starts in right field after returning to the lineup from a tight hamstring. Chase Utley starts at second base while Kiké Hernandez fills in at shortstop.
After Tuesday, the Dodgers and Padres will next meet on Opening Day — April 4 — at Petco Park in the start of a three-game series.
Dodgers Lineup:
LF: Carl Crawford
RF: Yasiel Puig
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Kiké Hernandez
CF: Joc Pederson
C: A.J. Ellis
P: Ross Stripling
Padres Lineup:
CF: Jon Jay
2B: Cory Spangenberg
C: Derek Norris
1B: Wil Myers
3B: Yangervis Solarte
SS: Alexei Ramirez
RF: Jabari Blash
LF: Jose Pirela
P: Colin Rea
