The Los Angeles Dodgers finished Cactus League play Wednesday with a loss to the Cleveland Indians in ace Clayton Kershaw’s tuneup before the regular season. The Dodgers now return to Chavez Ravine for the start of a three-game Freeway Series.
After squaring off with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Dodger Stadium on Thursday and Friday, the Dodgers will face their crosstown rival in Anaheim on Saturday. Scott Kazmir faces his former team a second time this year in his final outing before the regular season.
This spring has not been kind to the veteran left-hander, who signed a three-year contract with Los Angeles in the offseason. In four starts, Kazmir has thrown a combined 11.2 innings and given up 10 earned runs (7.71 ERA). He has allowed 21 hits and walked three while striking out 12.
The Angels are also sending a left-hander to the mound in Andrew Heaney. The 24 year old was briefly part of the Dodgers organization as he was included in the December 2014 trade that sent Dee Gordon to the Miami Marlins. Of course, Heaney was quickly flipped to the Angels in exchange for Howie Kendrick.
Heaney has enjoyed a nice spring to this point and figures to slot in the middle of the Angels rotation. In four starts he has thrown 14 innings, giving up 17 hits and four runs (2.57 ERA) while striking out 14 and walking three. He made 18 starts after being called up last season, going 6-4 with a 3.49 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 105.2 innings.
Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager returns to the lineup. The rookie hasn’t played in a Major League game since March 11 as he was dealing with a left knee sprain. Seager is expected to be with the Dodgers on Opening Day.
With the left-hander Heaney on the mound Kiké Hernandez and Scott Van Slyke get the starts in center and left field, respectively. Van Slyke is batting 362/.444/.638 to go along with three home runs and six RBIs in 17 Cactus League games.
Dodgers Lineup
CF: Kike Hernandez
RF: Yasiel Puig
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
LF: Scott Van Slyke
2B: Chase Utley
C: A.J. Ellis
SS: Corey Seager
P: Scott Kazmir
Angels Lineup
3B: Yunel Escobar
CF: Craig Gentry
DH: Albert Pujols
1B: C.J. Cron
RF: Kole Calhoun
SS: Andrelton Simmons
C: Carlos Perez
LF: Shane Robinson
2B: Johnny Giavotella
