The Los Angeles Dodgers have at least reached the end point of what’s been an interesting Spring Training. First-year manager Dave Roberts hit the ground running, only to incur several bumps along the way as injuries hit the roster.
Having won the first two meetings of the exhibition Freeway Series, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim now go for the sweep at home. They’ll face southpaw Alex Wood, who like others before him, will have a shortened outing in his final tuneup.
In his previous start, Wood had mixed results and was a victim of the long ball. Against the Texas Rangers, he surrendered four runs on five hits; two of which were home runs. The 25 year old also recorded six strikeouts.
This spring, Wood is 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, two walks and 13 strikeouts in four starts (14 innings pitched). He’s yet to face the Angels in his career. Zach Lee is among the pitchers scheduled to come on in relief for the Dodgers.
Taking the hill for Anaheim is Nick Tropeano. The right-hander is currently locked in a competition for the fifth spot in the Angels’ starting rotation. In his previous outing against the Chicago Cubs, he produced less than ideal results.
In just four innings pitched, Tropeano allowed five runs on six hits (two home runs). He enters 1-0 with a 7.82 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 12.2 innings across four starts this spring. The Dodgers’ lineup features plenty of expected starters, though Adrian Gonzalez is serving as the designated hitter.
Scott Van Slyke is a first base, Chase Utley at second, Justin Turner starts at third, and Corey Seager makes a third straight start at shortstop to round out the infield. Mike Trout returns to the Angels lineup after missing the previous two games due to illness.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Carl Crawford
2B: Chase Utley
3B: Justin Turner
DH: Adrian Gonzalez
RF: Yasiel Puig
SS: Corey Seager
CF: Joc Pederson
1B: Scott Van Slyke
C: Austin Barnes
Angels lineup:
3B: Yunel Escobar
LF: Craig Gentry
CF: Mike Trout
DH: Albert Pujols
1B: C.J. Cron
RF: Kole Calhoun
SS: Andrelton Simmons
C: Carlos Perez
2B: Cliff Pennington
