After cruising to a 10-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers are back on the road for their first matchup of the spring against the San Francisco Giants.
Walker Buehler makes his 2021 debut and looks to get off to a better start this season. The right-hander was slow to build up after he opted to stop throwing for a period of time during MLB’s shutdown phase last year.
Buehler adjusted his routine during the offseason, electing to continue throwing rather than take a substantial break. “So far I feel good about where I’m at,” he said last month. “Just trying to evolve and figure out what works best for me. So far we’re happy with where I am.”
Buehler pitched to a 1-0 record with a 3.44 ERA, 4.36 FIP and 0.96 WHIP over eight starts last season. In addition to not ramping up as quickly as he would have hoped, the 26-year-old was plagued by blister issues for the first time in his career.
Buehler remained somewhat limited by the blisters in the postseason but notched at least six strikeouts in every start. He particularly was effective from the NLCS through the World Series, allowing a combined two earned runs across 17 innings in three starts.
The Giants counter with Logan Webb, who is one of several pitchers battling for the No. 5 spot in their starting rotation. In 13 games last season (11 starts), he went 3-4 with a 5.47 ERA, 4.17 FIP and 1.56 WHIP across 54.1 innings pitched.
The Dodgers again don’t have Chris Taylor in the lineup as he still is feeling the effects of a sore neck.
Tuesday marks the first of three consecutive night games for the Dodgers. Their next two are at Camelback Ranch against the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, respectively.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
SS: Corey Seager
LF: AJ Pollock
C: Austin Barnes
3B: Edwin Rios
1B: Matt Davidson
DH: Sheldon Neuse
2B: Andy Burns
CF: James Outman
Giants lineup
RF: LaMonte Wade Jr.
LF: Alex Dickerson
3B: Jason Vosler
1B: Wilmer Flores
DH: Darin Ruf
CF: Mauricio Dubón
C: Chadwick Tromp
2B: Arismendy Alcantara
SS: Marco Luciano
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