The Los Angeles Dodgers enter play on Tuesday with a 6-5 record after dropping Monday’s contest to the Colorado Rockies. They look to bounce back at Camelback Ranch against the rival San Francisco Giants, who were last defeated on Sunday by the Kansas City Royals.
On the hill for the Dodgers is Clayton Kershaw, who is making his third start of the spring. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has yet to allow a run in three innings of Cactus League play, and is coming off a flawless outing against the Cleveland Indians in which he tossed two perfect frames.
Kershaw, despite the terrific results, was disappointed with his curveball command throughout the game, though he noted that his fastball location improved from his spring debut.
After Kershaw throws three innings, he’ll be followed by Luis Avilan, Grant Dayton, Adam Liberatore and Josh Fields.
San Francisco counters with fellow southpaw Matt Moore, who is also be making his third start of the spring. In his last appearance against the Chicago White Sox, Moore allowed four runs over 2.2 innings pitched, striking out two and allowing seven baserunners.
As expected, Adrian Gonzalez makes his first start of the spring at first base. He’ll receive two at-bats and leave Tuesday to join Team Mexico for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Other regulars in the Dodgers lineup include Logan Forsythe, Yasiel Puig and Yasmani Grandal.
Elsewhere, Chris Taylor makes his first start in center field. This spring marks Taylor’s first experience at the position. Kershaw faces Joe Panik, Brandon Belt and Justin Ruggiano, among others.
With more than three weeks remaining of Spring Training action, this will be the final meeting between the Dodgers and Giants until the two clubs square off on April 24 at AT&T Park. The Dodgers edged the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium last week, 7-6.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Logan Forsythe
RF: Yasiel Puig
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
C: Yasmani Grandal
DH: Franklin Gutierrez
LF: Tyler Holt
SS: Charlie Culberson
3B: Darnell Sweeney
CF: Chris Taylor
Giants lineup:
CF: Gorkys Hernandez
2B: Joe Panik
LF: Mac Williamson
1B: Brandon Belt
RF: Justin Ruggiano
DH: Marrero
3B: Hwang
SS: Gordon Beckham
C: Tim Federowicz
