After spending nearly two weeks on their respective sides of Camelback Ranch, the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers meet on Saturday afternoon in the Cactus League opener for both teams. The Dodgers predictably hand the ball to Clayton Kershaw, who is opposed by Carson Fulmer.
In a break from previous years, Kershaw is only scheduled to throw one inning in his spring debut. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that decision came down to his ace’s preference, while Rich Hill and Kenta Maeda will complete two innings, or the equivalent in pitches thrown, during their starts on Sunday and Monday, respectively.
“With the (World Baseball) Classic, [Saturday’s start] is an extension of the spring, so he’s only going to go one inning,” Roberts explained prior to first pitch.
“Clayton, it’s really just to get him one inning of work. The delivery is so clean and repeatable, he’s going to make pitches. To get him out there for an inning is a win.”
Facing the White Sox in his first start of 2016 Spring Training, Kershaw threw two shutout innings and had two strikeouts on an efficient 15 pitches. Saturday marks the start of what Kershaw hopes is a healthy year, after missing 10 weeks last season due to a bulging disc in his back.
Alex Wood is among the pitchers expected to follow Kershaw. Roberts indicated Wood is likely to throw two innings. Josh Ravin and Jacob Rhame are also among those scheduled to pitch.
Fulmer, who was selected No. 8 overall by the White Sox in the 2015 Draft, faced the Dodgers last spring. He allowed three runs on seven hits and issued three walks in 4.1. innings.
The right-handed prospect went 0-2 with an 8.49 ERA over eight games with the White Sox last season. Fulmer was a combined 6-10 with a 4.63 ERA during time spent with Triple-A Charlotte (four starts) and Double-A Birmingham (17 starts).
Logan Forsythe and Franklin Gutierrez make their respective debuts with the Dodgers, starting at second base and as designated hitter, respectively. Forsythe, which Roberts previously indicated would be the case, bats lead off.
With Adrian Gonzalez unavailable due to tendinitis in his right elbow, Rob Segedin gets the first opportunity to start in his place. Cody Bellinger, Ike Davis and Chase Utley also figure to see playing time at first base throughout the spring.
Saturday’s game is being televised by SportsNet LA and simulcast on AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio. First pitch is set for 12:05 p.m. PT. Live video stream of the contest can be watched here.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Logan Forsythe
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
C: Yasmani Grandal
DH: Franklin Gutierrez
CF: Joc Pederson
RF: Yasiel Puig
LF: Andrew Toles
1B: Rob Segedin
White Sox lineup:
SS: Tim Anderson
DH: Melky Cabrera
1B: Jose Abreu
3B: Matt Davidson
RF: Avisail Garcia
C: Geovany Soto
2B: Yolmer Sanchez
LF: Rymer Liriano
CF: Peter Bourjos
