The Los Angeles Dodgers have seen their two last games get canceled due to rain with just six full innings being completed in the two days, but they’ll give it another try to get a full game in, this time against the Texas Rangers.
Michael Grove gets the start for the first time in Cactus League play this year as he’s pitched out of relief in his previous three games. During those appearances, Grove has thrown 4.2 innings and posted an 11.57 ERA with a 1.93 WHIP and five strikeouts.
The Dodgers have been building up Grove as a starter, but it’s more likely he works in a multi-inning relief role or possibly as a spot starter in 2024 when he’s on the Dodgers roster. As it stands, Gavin Stone appears to be the favorite to claim the fifth spot in the rotation.
Grove opened the 2023 season in the Dodgers’ rotation after injuries to Tony Gonsolin and Ryan Pepiot, but he pitched to an 8.44 ERA in 16 innings before suffering an injury. Grove was eventually moved into a bullpen role, where he showed more upside.
He finished last year with a 6.13 ERA and 1.48 WHIP with 73 strikeouts across 69 innings.
T.J. McFarland, Ryan Brasier, J.P. Feyereisen, Blake Treinen, Daniel Hudson and Joe Kelly are expected to pitch for the Dodgers as well.
The Rangers hand the ball to Yerry Rodríguez, a right-hander who has seen limited time at the Major League level. So far this spring, Rodríguez has pitched three innings, giving up two runs while striking out five.
Last season, he pitched 13.2 innings for the Rangers with a 7.90 ERA and 1.90 WHIP. He also threw one inning in 2022 when he made his MLB debut, picking up a hold in his only game that year.
Rodríguez faces a Dodgers lineup with Mookie Betts in his familiar leadoff spot and playing shortstop for a second game in a row. However, Betts’ double play partner at second base is Kiké Hernández.
The Dodgers are moving forward with Betts at shortstop and Gavin Lux flipped over to second base.
Dodgers lineup
SS: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
CF: James Outman
RF: Chris Taylor
2B: Kiké Hernández
DH: Miguel Rojas
LF: Miguel Vargas
Rangers lineup
2B: Marcus Semien
CF: Leody Taveras
SS: Ezequiel Duran
DH: Adolis García
3B: Davis Wendzel
1B: Blaine Crim
C: Sam Huff
RF: Derek Hill
LF: Elier Hernandez
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