The Los Angeles Dodgers are starting non-roster invitee Mike Kickham in their Cactus League opener against the Oakland Athletics, but will follow him Monday with giving Trevor Bauer an opportunity to make his Spring Training debut.
Bauer is scheduled to throw two innings against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch. The Monday afternoon game is expected to be shortened to six innings, which will come on the heels of the Dodgers and A’s only playing seven.
“It was more on the pitching side and where we’re at, the numbers and buildup,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of taking advantage of MLB allowing teams to play shorter games through the first week-plus of Spring Training.
Bauer recently threw live batting practice for the first time in camp, facing the likes of Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager and Will Smith. Though, in Bellinger’s case the at-bat was only to track pitches as he continues to recover from offseason shoulder surgery.
Even with Monday’s game being of the exhibition variety, Bauer figures to face similar scrutiny and expectations Mookie Betts and David Price in their first games with the Dodgers last spring. L.A. signed Bauer record-setting three-year contract, adding a third Cy Young Award winner to their starting rotation.
Bauer has a polarizing reputation due to social media missteps in the past, but thus far has earned praise from Roberts and several of his teammates. Aside from an interview on SportsNet LA, Bauer has yet to speak with media since reporting to Camelback Ranch.
Dodgers playing DJ Peters early
Roberts previously indicated Austin Barnes, Chris Taylor and AJ Pollock would be among the regulars who will travel and be in the lineup Sunday. He additionally mentioned DJ Peters would start in center field in each of the Dodgers’ first two games.
“I hope we get a chance to see DJ make his (MLB) debut this year,” Roberts said. “I think with DJ, the care, the love of the Dodgers, the work ethic, you can’t debate that. His ability to play all three in the outfield, very good and very consistent.
“I think now in the batter’s box, the power has never been in question. It’s just a matter of the consistent contact. Because if he can touch it, it’s going to be hit hard somewhere. DJ looks like he’s in a good place mechanically and mentally.
“I’m eager to get him out there, so he’s going to play the first two games in center field.”
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