UPDATE (March 6, 12:45 p.m. PT): Scott Kazmir was removed in the second inning due to hip tightness. He’s scheduled to undergo MRI.
For a third time in the past week the Los Angeles Dodgers travel to Salt River Fields, and match up for a second game against the Colorado Rockies. Los Angeles hit three home runs in their 14-3 victory over Colorado on Feb. 28.
Monday’s meeting is the third and final of the spring between the two clubs. Adrian Gonzalez makes his 2017 debut, serving as the Dodgers designated hitter and batting fourth. Gonzalez had been sidelined since reporting to camp because of a sore right elbow. He’s expected to start at first base on Tuesday, then leave to join Team Mexico for the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Meanwhile, Scott Kazmir takes the mound for his second start of the year. Kazmir allowed two runs (one earned) and issued a pair of walks over 1.2 innings pitched in his debut against the San Francisco Giants.
Kazmir retired the side in the first inning before running into command issues. The 33-year-old believed it was a byproduct of an extended pregame bullpen session and lack of driving through his delivery.
Chris Hatcher, Jacob Rhame, Patrick Schuster, Brandon Morrow and Ralston Cash are scheduled to follow Kazmir in relief.
Tyler Chatwood is also making his second start of the spring. He had two strikeouts and allowed one run over two innings of work against the San Diego Padres in his first outing on March 1.
The Dodgers are still without Corey Seager, who is sidelined due to back tightness. Kiké Hernandez starts at shortstop in what’s expected to be his final game with the Dodgers prior to joining Puerto Rico for the WBC.
Chris Taylor was slated to start at third base but he’s since been replaced by Justin Turner. Andre Ethier, Chase Utley, Yasmani Grandal and Joc Pederson are other regulars in the Dodgers lineup.
The Rockies figure to present a formidable challenge to Kazmir, as Charlie Blackmon, Carlos Gonzalez and Ian Desmond are among the regulars in their lineup.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Andre Ethier
2B: Chase Utley
3B: Justin Turner
DH: Adrian Gonzalez
C: Yasmani Grandal
CF: Joc Pederson
1B: Scott Van Slyke
SS: Kiké Hernandez
RF: Henry Ramos
Rockies lineup:
CF: Charlie Blackmon
2B: DJ LeMahieu
RF: Carlos Gonzalez
1B: Ian Desmond
3B: Mark Reynolds
LF: Gerardo Parra
DH: Pat Valaika
SS: Alexi Amarista
C: Dustin Garneau
