Despite inclement weather throughout much of the morning Saturday, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants are still expected to proceed with their Cactus League opener. However, first pitch at Scottsdale Stadium has been pushed back to 2:15 p.m. PT.
“We’re going to go over there and walk it, see how it looks,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said when asked about concern over the playing conditions. “They said there’s a window at 3 o’clock. They want to get this game in.”
Roberts added he was “Very very cognizant of health, for sure,” and noted, “It’s not ideal.”
The forecast in Scottsdale calls for 90% showers at 2 p.m. local time, 80% around scheduled first pitch, but a mere 30% by 4 p.m. Beyond Saturday’s game being the first of Spring Training this year, the Giants have added incentive to carry forward with the matchup.
The game is sold out, plus Scottsdale Stadium underwent renovations, with improvements including a new clubhouse, additional shaded areas in right field, and upgrades to the main stadium entrance and parking lots.
The Dodgers remain scheduled to start Tony Gonsolin, while the Giants are countering with Dereck Rodriguez. For Gonsolin, it’s his first opportunity to possibly stake a claim in the Opening Day rotation.
He’s among the candidates vying for the fifth and final spot, though it’s one Alex Wood figures to have an inside track for. Of course, there could be an opportunity if Julio Urias falters, but for now he’s been identified as the fourth starter.
Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, Kiké Hernandez, Chris Taylor and Will Smith are among the Dodgers’ position players expected to be in the lineup.
The Arizona Diamondbacks (Salt River Fields), Milwaukee Brewers (American Family Fields of Phoenix) and Chicago White Sox (Camelback Ranch) are among the teams that cancelled their home games.
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