A scheduling quirk that called for the Los Angeles Dodgers to face American League West clubs in Interleague play this season meant an opportunity at a World Series rematch with the Houston Astros.
It was their first time meeting since the Dodgers were swept in a three-game series at Minute Maid Park in 2015. Friday’s game brought about more frustration and flashbacks to the Fall Classic.
The night was particularly trying for Alex Wood, who labored through six innings. He did limit Houston to two runs (one earned) on four hits over six innings, but also walked three batters and hit two.
Wood was set to begin the seventh inning at 105 pitches but was removed after being checked on by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and trainer Nate Lucero while warming up.
Roberts explained the decision was made out of precaution because of minor trouble Wood had with his hamstrings, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Dave Roberts said Alex Wood was stretching his hamstrings warming up and took him out as a precautionary measure.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 4, 2018
Wood explained he first felt his hamstring trouble surface while warming up in the fifth inning. He admitted to a recurrence of the issue in the seventh.
The 27-year-old previously battled hamstring cramps in two starts during May. He was removed after five and six innings, respectively, in those games. Although the matter doesn’t appear serious, the Dodgers do have the option of placing Wood on the 10-day disabled list.
He’d struggled some in June, which raised questions about a potential move to the bullpen, and Ross Stripling is eligible to be activated when Wood is scheduled to make his next turn in the rotation (Thursday).
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