The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a stadium lighting issue at Camelback Ranch has led to the change of start times for games on Friday, March 19, and Sunday, March 21, to 1:05 p.m. PT both days. Each of the two games had previously been scheduled for a 6:05 p.m. first pitch.
The change first affects a matchup with the Texas Rangers. Friday is the second and final Cactus League meeting between the two teams. The Dodgers previously suffered a 4-3 loss to the Rangers in eight innings at Surprise Stadium on March 7.
It was a second start of the spring for Walker Buehler, who used the opportunity to exclusively pitch out of the stretch. Joey Gallo and Rougned Odor each hit a home run off Buehler in the first inning and he allowed four runs total.
Buehler did end his afternoon on a positive note by retiring the Rangers in order in the third inning, striking out the final batter faced.
This weekend also marks the final time the Dodgers and Giants will play during Spring Training. Of course, the National League West opponents will then have 19 games against one another during the regular season.
The first meeting between L.A. and San Francisco finished in a 1-1 tie in seven innings at Scottsdale Stadium on March 2. Coincidentally, that game was also started by Buehler. He went two scoreless innings in his 2021 debut.
Revised Dodgers Spring Training schedule
When Major League Baseball implemented health and safety protocols for the 2021 season, it amounted to revised Spring Training schedules as well. Most notably was the elimination of split-squad games for all teams.
And for the Dodgers specifically, it meant an increase in the amount of night games on their schedule. Even with the changes this weekend, the Dodgers will play under the lights for three of their final five Cactus League games.
That also will hold true for the exhibition Freeway Series that will be played March 28-30.
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