The Los Angeles Dodgers return home to Camelback Ranch to take on the Cleveland Indians, the first matchup between the two clubs since 2014. The Dodgers came away victorious against the rival San Francisco Giants on Sunday, behind an impressive Zach Lee outing.
Upon the news of southpaw Brett Anderson being out three to five months due to back surgery, the auditions have begun for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. Seemingly moving up a spot in the rotation is Monday’s starter, Alex Wood.
Wood entered Spring Training widely viewed as the sixth starting pitcher, but is now very much part of the rotation with Anderson’s surgery and Hyun-Jin Ryu not expected to return until some point in May.
After being acquired via trade from the Atlanta Braves last season, Wood was inconsistent over 12 starts with the Dodgers. Pitching with a bone bruise on his ankle, the left-hander went 5-6 with a 4.35 ERA, 4.10 FIP and 1.27 WHIP.
Ian Thomas, J.P. Howell, Kenley Jansen, Louis Coleman, Brandon Beachy and Yimi Garcia are all scheduled to pitch in relief on Monday. Thomas, Beachy, Howell, and Jansen have yet to pitch in Spring Training.
Taking the hill for the Indians is right-hander Danny Salazar. In his Spring Training debut this year, Salazar allowed three runs on while striking out five batters in two innings of work against the Cincinnati Reds. The Dominican Republic native has yet to face the Dodgers in his three-year career.
Howie Kendrick, a late scratch with groin soreness, is replaced by Rob Segedin at third base. Trayce Thompson gives Yasiel Puig a day off in right field, while Scott Van Slyke shifts over to left field.
Charlie Culberson, who is 5-for-6, with three RBIs this spring, earns the start at second base. Adrian Gonzalez returns to the lineup, hitting third and playing first base. Monday’s game is not being televised or broadcast on radio, but the live stream can be watched here.
Dodgers Lineup:
CF: Joc Pederson
SS: Corey Seager
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
LF: Scott Van Slyke
C: Yasmani Grandal
RF: Trayce Thompson
3B: Rob Segedin
DH: Shawn Zarraga
2B: Charlie Culberson
Indians Lineup:
LF: Rajai Davis
2B: Jose Ramirez
C: Yan Gomes
1B: Carlos Santana
3B: Giovanny Urshela
DH: Robbie Grossman
RF: Lonnie Chisenhall
CF: Tyler Naquin
SS: Erik Gonzalez
