The Los Angeles Dodgers are a visiting team for a second consecutive day but it’s in name only Saturday, as it’s a game with their Camelback Ranch co-tenant Chicago White Sox.
Hyun-Jin Ryu takes the mound for just his second Cactus League start this spring. Ryu did not fare well in his first outing, giving up two hits and walking two in 2.2 innings, leading to four runs allowed.
He also struck out two batters in the outing and two of the runs scored because the reliever came in and couldn’t get the final out of the inning, so it wasn’t all bad for Ryu.
The left-hander is entering his second season removed from shoulder surgery, which has Dodgers manager Dave Roberts optimistic Ryu will return to form.
“Last year, the arm strength wasn’t there,” Roberts said. “There was a little bit of self preservation in his extension. In talking to Hyun-Jin, he’s really excited to have a regular offseason of not just a rehab.”
Opposing Ryu is veteran right-hander Miguel Gonzalez, who was traded from the White Sox to the Texas Rangers last season but then re-signed with Chicago this past offseason.
Gonzalez is not off to a good start this spring, as in two starts (2.2 innings), he has allowed eight hits and five runs while walking three without a strikeout. The 33-year-old has had some success against the Dodgers in his career though, yielding a 1.50 ERA in 12 career innings.
Dodgers relievers Scott Alexander, Pedro Baez and J.T. Chargois are all scheduled to pitch after Ryu. Kenley Jansen is also tabbed to take the mound for what will be his second Cactus League game this spring.
Dodgers lineup:
DH: Andrew Toles
CF: Joc Pederson
3B: Justin Turner
C: Yasmani Grandal
LF: Kiké Hernandez
1B: Chase Utley
RF: Trayce Thompson
2B: Jake Peter
SS: Donovan Solano
White Sox lineup:
2B: Yoan Moncada
RF: Avisail Garcia
DH: Jose Abreu
1B: Matt Davidson
LF: Ryan Cordell
SS: Tim Anderson
3B: Yolmer Sanchez
C: Omar Marvaez
CF: Adam Engel
