After settling for a tie against the Chicago White Sox on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers hit the road for their first Spring Training matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields.
Making his 2020 Spring Training debut and first career Cactus League appearance is Victor Gonzalez, who was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster over the offseason in order to protect him from the 2019 Rule 5 Draft.
Gonzalez has been with the organization since signing as a Minor League free agent on July 2, 2012, out of Veracruz, Mexico. That day is notable as the Dodgers additionally inked Yasiel Puig and Julio Urias as part of their international free agency period haul.
The 24-year-old split time with three affiliates last season, beginning his 2019 campaign with High-A Rancho Cucamonga. He pitched to a minuscule 1.65 ERA in eight games before earning a promotion to Double-A Tulsa.
With the Drillers, Gonzalez posted an equally impressive 2.23 ERA in 15 appearances (eight starts). He struck out 44 batters in 48.1 innings of work and eventually earned yet another promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Gonzalez made his final 15 appearances of the season with the Dodgers’ top Minor League affiliate, compiling a 3.86 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 14 innings pitched. All-in-all, he tallied a 5-2 record, 2.31 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 89.2 frames (38 games, 13 starts).
Also expected to get some work in against the Diamondbacks are Brett de Geus, Marshall Kasowski, Reymin Guduan, Dennis Santana and Josh Sborz.
Arizona counters with Jon Duplantier, who earned his first big league call-up last year. In 15 games (three starts), he went 1-1 with a 4.42 ERA, 3.95 FIP and 1.56 WHIP with 34 strikeouts against 18 walks over 36.2 innings pitched.
Gavin Lux, Justin Turner and Corey Seager are among the regulars in the Dodgers lineup. Lux most interestingly is penciled in the leadoff spot with Mookie Betts getting the day off.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Gavin Lux
3B: Justin Turner
SS: Corey Seager
CF: AJ Pollock
LF: Kiké Hernandez
C: Austin Barnes
DH: Luke Raley
1B: Tyler White
RF: Terrance Gore
Diamondbacks lineup:
2B: Ketel Marte
LF: Jon Jay
RF: Kole Calhoun
DH: Kevin Cron
1B: Jake Lamb
SS: Nick Ahmed
CF: Tim Locastro
C: John Hicks
3B: Wyatt Mathisen
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our live shows, and more!
