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Spring Training Preview: Dodgers Host Royals In Final Cactus League Game

Ethan Duer
3 Min Read
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

After tying on Friday with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Kansas City Royals at Camelback Ranch for their final Cactus League game of Spring Training.

Dustin May takes the mound for his last exhibition start and looks to bounce back from a somewhat shaky effort that was attributed to being under the weather. Across four starts this spring, the 25-year-old has looked like his former self, pitching to a 2.13 ERA across 12.2 innings of work with 16 strikeouts.

After delivering a 4.50 ERA in six starts last season while working his way back from Tommy John surgery, May is poised to play a key role for the Dodgers this season. Prior to allowing two runs against the Oakland Athletics his last time out, May turned in a combined seven scoreless innings over two starts.

Andre Jackson, Victor González and Tayler Scott are also scheduled to pitch. Jackson earned a spot in the bullpen for the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, while González was optioned to Minor League camp on Friday.

Taking the ball for Kansas City is Zack Greinke, as he too makes his fifth start of Cactus League play.

The 39-year-old, who re-signed in the offseason with the Royals after delivering a respectable 3.68 ERA in 137 innings across 26 starts last year, has posted a ballooned 8.74 ERA in 11.1 innings this spring. That’s mainly been attributed to Greinke’s experimentation with the new pitch clock.

The Dodgers lineup looks to build upon their strong offensive performance against the Brewers, a game in which saw Max Muncy push his on-base plus-slugging percentage to .942 with another home run and double.

But only regulars Jason Heyward, James Outman and Will Smith are starting.

Dodgers lineup

RF: Jason Heyward
CF: James Outman
C: Will Smith
DH: Steven Duggar
SS: Luke Williams
2B: Michael Busch
3B: Yonny Hernández
LF: Bradley Zimmer
1B: Devin Mann

Royals lineup

RF: MJ Melendez
SS: Bobby Witt Jr.
C: Salvador Perez
1B: Hunter Dozier
LF: Franmil Reyes
2B: Michael Massey
DH: Matt Duffy
3B: Nicky Lopez
CF: John Rave

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