The Los Angeles Dodgers are at Surprise Stadium for a second time in the past four days, but now for a matchup with the Kansas City Royals. Earlier this week the Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers in a rain-shortened game.
L.A. enters play coming off back-to-back ties. Saturday’s game is the Dodgers’ first of the spring that comes under the lights. It’s being followed by consecutive afternoon games before a day off Tuesday.
Ryan Pepiot, the Dodgers’ sixth-ranked prospect heading into 2023, makes his second start of Cactus League. He delivered one inning of scoreless baseball against the San Diego Padres on February 27, allowing just one hit in the short outing.
Making his MLB debut last season, Pepiot compiled a 3.47 ERA across 36.1 innings on the mound while striking out 42 en route to a 3-0 record. Contributing more for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Pepiot had an impressive 2.56 ERA across 91.1 innings with a 1.07 WHIP.
Also making his second start of spring is former Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke. The veteran right-hander completed two scoreless innings against the Milwaukee Brewers in his first spring outing.
Inked to a one-year contract to remain with the Royals, the 39-year-old made his return to the Royals last season after spending the first seven years of his career with the club. Greinke posted a respectable 3.68 ERA across 26 starts to total 137 innings of work in 2022.
Greinke face a Dodgers lineup that looks to somewhat get back on track offensively after collecting only three hits on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels. Both of their runs came on bases-loaded walks. The lineup features many of L.A.’s budding prospects, including James Outman, Michael Busch and Miguel Vargas.
Additionally, Jason Heyward leads off as he tries to continue with what’s been a strong showing in spring.
Dodgers lineup
CF: Jason Heyward
LF: Trayce Thompson
C: Will Smith
DH: James Outman
SS: Miguel Rojas
1B: Michael Busch
3B: Luke Williams
RF: Steven Duggar
2B: Miguel Vargas
Royals lineup
SS: Bobby Witt Jr.
3B: Hunter Dozier
1B: Matt Beaty
DH: Franmil Reyes
LF: Edward Olivares
2B: Michael Massey
C: Freddy Fermin
RF: Dairon Blanco
CF: Nate Eaton
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