After defeating the San Francisco Giants and falling to the Chicago Cubs in their first split-squad action of 2023 Spring Training, the Los Angeles Dodgers as a whole are on the road for their final Cactus League matchup against the Cincinnati Reds.
The Reds defeated the Dodgers, 7-1, in their first meeting on February 28. L.A. enters play with an 8-4 record, while Cincinnati heads into the game at 8-8.
Dustin May makes his second start and third overall appearance of the spring. He brings into the contest a 1-0 record, 1.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 11.6 strikeouts per nine in 4.2 innings of work.
May looks to build on a successful outing against the San Diego Padres in which he allowed only one hit over three scoreless innings. He gave up one run on two hits in his 2023 debut against the Texas Rangers.
May is entering his first full season since undergoing Tommy John surgery, and while there will be limitations, he believes he is in a more favorable position compared to this time last year.
“I’m definitely in a better spot than I was last Spring Training,” May recently noted. “I feel like I’m at a stronger point right now than I was at the end of the year. I feel like I’m going in the right direction, for sure.”
Phil Bickford, Victor González, Wander Suero and Adam Kolarek are scheduled to pitch after May.
The Reds counter with Graham Ashcraft, who is making his third start of Cactus League play. The right-hander has struggled to the tune of a 7.20 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in five innings pitched thus far.
Ashcraft faces a Dodgers lineup that doesn’t include many regulars, but features Opening Day roster favorite Jason Heyward and Chris Taylor in the first two spots.
James Outman has torn the cover off the ball this spring and is batting cleaning. Despite his success, manager Dave Roberts intimated he might not break camp with the team.
Dodgers lineup
CF: Jason Heyward
3B: Chris Taylor
RF: Steven Duggar
LF: James Outman
2B: Michael Busch
SS: Yonny Hernández
1B: Ryan Ward
DH: Jonny DeLuca
C: Patrick Mazeika
Reds lineup
CF: Will Benson
1B: Joey Votto
RF: Wil Myers
LF: TJ Friedl
C: Curt Casali
3B: Spencer Steer
SS: Jose Barrero
DH: Luke Maile
2B: Alejo Lopez
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