Spring Training Preview: Keibert Ruiz To Make 2021 Debut As Dodgers Take On Indians

After playing to a tie with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday, the Los Angeles Dodgers head back on the road for a matchup against the Cleveland Indians at Goodyear Ballpark.

Walker Buehler makes his third start of the spring and looks to bounce back from a rough outing against the Texas Rangers. He surrendered a pair of home runs with two outs in the first inning, and back-to-back doubles the following frame.

The right-hander overall allowed four runs on five hits in three innings of work. He ended his day on a good note, however, retiring the Rangers in order in the third.

“The third inning being clean was a step in the right direction,” he said after the game. “I physically felt good, so fixing things is what this is for.

“Physically, I felt fine. … You don’t want to give up runs and homers, but at least I’m on schedule and on time more than I usually am. I feel fine. Get back out there in five days and keep getting better.”

David Price, Scott Alexander, James Pazos, Gerardo Carrillo, Michael Grove and Kendall Williams are also scheduled to pitch during the eight-inning game. For Price, it’s going to mark a second relief appearance and further suggest it’s a role he may switch to for the regular season.

The Indians counter with Sam Hentges, who makes his third appearance of the spring. In his two previous outings, he allowed four hits, three runs and a walk with three strikeouts over three innings pitched.

Though he’s not in the starting lineup, top catching prospect Keibert Ruiz is expected to make his 2021 debut and catch two or three innings. He was a notable omission when the Dodgers opened camp last month due to visa issues.

Mookie Betts was in the original Dodgers lineup, but then scratched when the team sent out an updated version. Zach McKinstry starts in right field in Betts’ place. Corey Seager enters play with a home run in his past three games.

Dodgers lineup

LF: AJ Pollock
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Max Muncy
2B: Chris Taylor
C: Austin Barnes
DH: Edwin Rios
RF: Zach McKinstry
CF: DJ Peters

Indians lineup

2B: Cesar Hernandez
SS: Andrés Giménez
3B: José Ramirez
LF: Eddie Rosario
DH: Franmil Reyes
RF: Josh Naylor
1B: Jake Bauers
C: Roberto Pérez
CF: Oscar Mercado

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