After dropping both games of their split-squad action on Saturday, the Los Angeles Dodgers head to Peoria Sports Complex to take on the Seattle Mariners.
Making his first start of the spring is Clayton Kershaw, who’s coming off another excellent campaign in 2017. He led the National League in wins (18), ERA (2.31) and ERA+ (180). Furthermore, Kershaw posted a 3.07 FIP and 0.95 WHIP across 175 innings.
For the second consecutive season, he failed to log at least 200 innings after spending an extended amount of time on the disabled list because of back issues. The postseason was a mixed bag for Kershaw, as he yielded 14 runs over 33 innings — good for a 3.82 ERA.
He compiled an excellent 0.94 WHIP in three series, but allowed eight home runs, including two in the World Series. The 2018 season will be crucial for Kershaw, as he’ll have the opportunity to opt out of his contract with the Dodgers and test free agency in the winter.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner isn’t thinking about that scenario, however, and is only focused on the present.
While the Dodgers are limiting Kershaw’s workload this spring, he’s expected to pitch two innings, which is the norm for his first outing of the year.
Tom Koehler, Brock Stewart, Pedro Baez and Mark Lowe are all expected to throw after Kershaw, marking their first outings of the spring.
Seattle counters with fellow left-hander Marco Gonzales, who is making his Cactus League debut. A midseason acquisition from the St. Louis Cardinals last year, Gonzales pitched to a 5.40 ERA, 4.28 FIP and 1.75 WHIP in 10 games (seven starts) for the Mariners.
He logged a career-high 40 innings between both teams, striking out 7.2 and walking 2.5 batters per nine. The former top prospect owns a lifetime 5.47 ERA, 5.03 FIP and 1.69 WHIP over 77.1 innings.
Corey Seager is back in the lineup as a designated hitter, which was the plan for Saturday but he was scratched due to a stomach illness. Seager is penciled to DH for the time being as he builds up his throwing program.
Andrew Toles receives the start in right field, playing on back-to-back days and in just his second game since suffering an ACL injury last May.
Kyle Seager bats cleanup and starts at third base, marking the first time brothers have played against one another. Kershaw will face a Mariners lineup that also includes regulars Jean Segura, Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz.
Sunday’s game is being broadcast live by SportsNet LA, with first pitch set for 12:10 p.m. PT.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Chase Utley
DH: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
LF: Matt Kemp
C: Yasmani Grandal
CF: Joc Pederson
RF: Andrew Toles
1B: Max Muncy
SS: Donovan Solano
Mariners lineup:
LF: Ben Gamel
SS: Jean Segura
2B: Robinson Cano
DH: Nelson Cruz
3B: Kyle Seager
C: Mike Zunino
RF: Cameron Perkins
1B: Mike Ford
CF: Ian Miller
