The Los Angeles Dodgers wrapped up the Cactus League portion of 2019 Spring Training with a 5-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox, but more importantly was the club potentially gaining more clarity on their Opening Day roster.
In light of Ross Stripling and Julio Urias being needed in the starting rotation because of injuries to Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill, it’s created opportunities in the bullpen. So too did Tony Cingrani being shut down due to another bout with shoulder trouble.
While the Dodgers have essentially set their group of relievers, one spot remains, which manager Dave Roberts said Dennis Santana and Brock Stewart were candidates for. On the heels of Santana starting Friday, Stewart received the nod against the White Sox but similarly struggled.
Stewart nearly stranded a leadoff double in the first inning but a two-out walk wound up leading to trouble. An error plated a run, and after Stewart’s second walk of the inning loaded the bases, he gave up a two-run double to Daniel Palka.
Yoan Moncada then extended the White Sox’s lead to 4-1 with a solo home run in the second inning. Stewart wound up logging 3.1 innings, with four runs (one earned) allowed, two walks and three strikeouts.
Former Dodgers Minor League pitcher Manny Bañuelos largely breezed his way through five innings. He allowed just two hits, including a leadoff home run to Chris Taylor in the first inning.
Four White Sox relievers followed Bañuelos and limited the Dodgers to just one baserunner (Paulo Orlando’s base hit in the seventh) over the final four innings.
