The Los Angeles Dodgers are in split-squad action for the first time of 2020 Spring Training, with a group of players heading to Salt River Fields to face the Colorado Rockies, and others remaining behind to host the Arizona Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch.
While Walker Buehler makes his debut on the road, the Dodgers hand the ball to Ross Stripling for his second Cactus League start of the year. Stripling worked a scoreless inning in his 2020 debut, effectively mixing in a new changeup grip.
Although Stripling is making another start, he figures to fill a role out of the bullpen come the regular season. “We’ve got 10 guys that can make starts at any time, so I’ll be built up if something comes up,” he said.
“If I start in the bullpen, that’s fine. I’ve always just said as long as I’m in the mix for the opportunity to make starts, you’ll never hear me complain.”
Scott Alexander, Caleb Ferguson and Kenley Jansen are among the relief pitchers scheduled to follow Stripling.
They will be backed by a Dodgers lineup that features plenty of regulars, including Mookie Betts in the leadoff spot and Justin Turner batting second. Chris Taylor is also starting, which is further indication he’s overcome forearm and biceps irritation that caused him to miss three games.
Interestingly, Taylor is starting at second base and Gavin Lux is playing shortstop. Lux is thought to have the inside track on the starting job at second.
The Diamondbacks start Taylor Clarke, who went 5-5 with a 5.31 ERA in 23 games (15 starts) last season. Clarke allowed three runs on three hits in 1.2 innings against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday.
Dodgers lineup:
RF: Mookie Betts
3B: Justin Turner
2B: Chris Taylor
SS: Gavin Lux
LF: Luke Raley
C: Keibert Ruiz
CF: Terrance Gore
1B: Tyler White
DH: Edwin Rios
Diamondbacks lineup:
LF: Jon Jay
2B: Ketel Marte
DH: Eduardo Escobar
RF: Kole Calhoun
SS: Nick Ahmed
3B: Jake Lamb
1B: Kevin Cron
C: Daulton Varsho
CF: Tim Locastro
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