The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Cleveland Indians at Camelback Ranch on Monday with Alex Wood making his first start of the spring. The left-hander entered camp on the outside looking in at a Dodgers rotation that added depth during the offseason.
However, with a back injury to Brett Anderson and Hyun-Jin Ryu not expected to return until May, Wood figures to be one of five starting pitchers come Opening Day. Wood was opposed by Indians righty Danny Salazar on Monday.
Wood got off to a rough start, as he gave up a leadoff home run to Jose Ramirez. After Corey Seager committed two errors, Wood was taken deep again, this time a three-run shot by Giovanny Urshela to put the Indians out in front, 4-0, after the top half of the first.
Salazar issued a leadoff walk to Joc Pederson to start the bottom of the first. After striking out the next two batters faced, Salazar walked Scott Van Slyke to put two on with two outs. The Dodgers weren’t able to capitalize though, as Yasmani Grandal grounded out to end the inning.
Once again Wood worked himself into a bit of trouble, giving up two hits to start the second. He was then able to get two groundouts and a fly out, limiting Cleveland to just one run. Wood allowed five runs, two earned and had two strikeouts in his two innings of work.
After Salazar retired the Dodgers in order in the bottom half of the second, the Dodgers called on Yimi Garcia to make his second appearance of Spring Training. Garcia looked sharp, retiring the Indians in order, striking out the final hitter he faced.
With two outs in the bottom of the third, Seager collected his first hit of the spring, doubling down the right field line. Adrian Gonzalez followed with a fly out to left, ending any chance at a two-out rally.
Brandon Beachy allowed a single and issued a walk in the fourth, but escaped the inning without Cleveland extending their lead.
CONTINUE READING: Dodgers’ Comeback Bid Falls Short
