The Los Angeles Dodgers have experienced their fair share of ups-and-downs in the early stages of the 2016 season, but they nonetheless enter play on Tuesday tied with Colorado Rockies for first place in the National League West with an 8-5 record.
After going 4-2 on a recent homestand with series wins against the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants, the Dodgers face a six-game road trip that takes them to Atlanta and Colorado.
Let’s review those who are on the rise and those who scuttled through the first two weeks of the season.
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Scott Kazmir: A new addition to the starting rotation in 2016, Kazmir has begun the year on a negative note.
In 14 innings pitched (three starts), he allowed 10 earned runs and 16 baserunners — amounting to a 6.43 ERA and 1.43 WHIP.
A.J. Ellis: Seeing extra playing time with Yasmani Grandal unavailable for the first week of the season, Ellis has struggled offensively to start the year.
In 28 plate appearances, he is batting .174/.296/.217 with one double and four walks compared to six strikeouts.
Howie Kendrick: Relegated to the disabled list for the first week of the season, Kendrick has yet to find his groove.
In 20 plate appearances, he is batting just .211 with zero extra-base hits while also committing two errors defensively as well. However, Kendrick has been of some additional benefit as injuries have forced him to play some left field.
CONTINUE READING: Dodgers who are trending up, and honorable mentions
