The Los Angeles Dodgers continue Cactus League play Sunday with a matchup against the Oakland Athletics at Camelback Ranch.
Dodgers prospect Kyle Hurt starts the game in what could be the start of his push to make the Opening Day roster. Hurt is ranked No. 86 overall in MLB by Fangraphs and he’s coming off a strong Minor League season.
After starting the year with Double-A Tulsa where he threw 65 innings while striking out nearly 40% of hitters, Hurt was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he continued striking out just shy of 40% of batters.
The success led to Hurt making his MLB debut in 2023, but he pitched just two innings for the Dodgers, both of which were perfect, while striking out three of the six hitters he faced.
While Hurt faces an uphill battle to make the roster, he should see time at the MLB level again in 2024, and could perhaps step into a more pronounced role as either a starer or reliever.
Also scheduled to pitch for the Dodgers are Evan Phillips, Ryan Brasier, Alex Vesia, Ricky Vanasco, Elisier Hernandez and Kevin Gowdy.
The A’s give the ball to Kyle Muller, who was formerly with the Atlanta Braves before heading to Oakland.
The left-hander owns a career 6.64 ERA in 126 innings, with 77 of those frames coming in 2023, when he pitched to a 7.60 ERA with 56 strikeouts.
Manuel Margot, who is expected to play a role for the Dodgers against left-handed pitching this season, is leading off for the Dodgers as their designated hitter.
Chris Taylor is also at second base as he prepares for a super utility role this season. In his previous games, he was in the lineup at shortstop and third base.
Freddie Freeman is back in the Dodgers lineup for the first of what’s expected to be three consecutive starts.
Dodgers lineup
DH: Manuel Margot
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
2B: Chris Taylor
3B: Max Muncy
RF: Jason Heyward
SS: Miguel Rojas
CF: James Outman
LF: Miguel Vargas
Athletics lineup
CF: Lawrence Butler
DH: Zack Gelof
1B: Ryan Noda
LF: Miguel Andujar
C: Tyler Stephenson
3B: Jordan Díaz
SS: Darell Hernaiz
RF: Daz Camereon
2B: Max Schuemann
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