One night after their game against the Colorado Rockies was canceled due to inclement weather, the Los Angeles Dodgers return to the field for their final matchup of the spring with the Texas Rangers at Camelback Ranch.
The Dodgers defeated the Rangers, 4-2, in their first meeting on March 1. L.A. enters play with a 10-4 record, while Texas heads into the game at 8-11.
Clayton Kershaw makes his second start of Cactus League play. He allowed three runs on five hits (two home runs) in his 2023 debut against the Los Angeles Angels.
Kershaw endured some struggles but generally said he was pleased with the outing. While the left-hander admitted he would have preferred better results, he noted he’s in the same position as other years.
Had the Dodgers played on Wednesday, Kershaw was due to face the Rockies. In being bumped back one day, the domino effect included Noah Syndergaard pitching in a B game rather than starting against the Rangers.
Evan Phillips, Jimmy Nelson, Caleb Ferguson, Alex Vesia, Jake Reed and Wander Suero are also scheduled to pitch for the Dodgers.
The Rangers counter with Jon Gray, who is making his third start of Spring Training. He has been effective so far, allowing just two hits over five scoreless innings.
Gray pitched to a 7-7 record, 3.96 ERA, 3.80 FIP, 1.13 WHIP and 9.5 strikeouts per nine over 24 starts in his first season with the Rangers last year.
Although Miguel Vargas was in the leadoff spot of the Dodgers lineup before Wednesday’s game was rained out, he’s now been bumped down to sixth. Jason Heyward instead is atop the batting order.
Corey Seager went 1-for-2 against the Dodgers at Surprise Stadium, and is batting second on Thursday. Yoshi Tsutsugo, who was with the Dodgers for a portion of the 2021 season, is also in the Rangers lineup.
Dodgers lineup
CF: Jason Heyward
LF: Chris Taylor
SS: Miguel Rojas
3B: Max Muncy
DH: J.D. Martinez
2B: Miguel Vargas
RF: James Outman
C: Hunter Feduccia
1B: Devin Mann
Rangers lineup
2B: Marcus Semien
SS: Corey Seager
1B: Nathaniel Lowe
RF: Adolis García
3B: Josh Jung
C: Mitch Garver
LF: Robbie Grossman
CF: Bubba Thompson
DH: Yoshi Tsutsugo
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