The Los Angeles Dodgers, with a split-squad roster on Sunday afternoon, host the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch for the first and only time this spring. The Dodgers are looking to bounce back with a win following a loss to the Chicago White Sox, which has the club stuck in a three-game losing streak.
Making his second start and appearing in his fourth overall game of Cactus League play is Mike Bolsinger, who continues to battle for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. In nine innings, he’s allowed just two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out six batters.
Bolsinger threw four scoreless innings against the Milwaukee Brewers in his last outing, which was his first start of Spring Training this year. He went 2-0 with a 2.55 ERA and 0.79 WHIP against the Padres last season, accumulating 21 strikeouts over 17.2 innings pitched.
Carlos Frias, Chris Hatcher and Jamey Wright are scheduled to pitch in relief against San Diego. Taking the mound for the Padres is left-hander Robbie Erlin for his third Spring Training start.
In three innings, he’s allowed one earned run on three hits while striking out a batter. Erlin made just three Major League starts last season, but pitched one of his best games against the Dodgers.
In seven innings, he yielded just six baserunners and two earned runs, but was tabbed with a loss because of limited run support. With a southpaw on the mound, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is fielding a lineup heavy on right-handed batters.
Scott Van Slyke, who hits lefties well, was slated to make another start at first base, but was scratched with a hip flexor.
Instead, the Dodgers have Cody Bellinger, who’s impressed during his time in camp, at first. Justin Turner makes his fourth start of the spring at third base as he is slowly being eased back into consistent playing time at the hot corner.
In eight plate appearances to this point, Turner is slashing .500/.625/.833 with two doubles. The Dodgers’ roulette wheel has Howie Kendrick leading off against the Padres. Kendrick has combined to hit home run, one RBI triple and a double over his last two games.
Dodgers Lineup:
2B: Howie Kendrick
RF: Yasiel Puig
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Cody Bellinger
SS: Kiké Hernandez
C: A.J. Ellis
CF: Joc Pederson
LF: Corey Brown
P: Mike Bolsinger
Padres Lineup:
LF: Jon Jay
2B: Cody Spangenberg
RF: Matt Kemp
1B: Wil Myers
3B: Yangervis Solarte
C: Derek Norris
SS: Alexei Ramirez
LF: Melvin Upton Jr.
P: Robbie Erlin
