Improving to 7-7 with a victory against the Texas Rangers, the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the first of five Spring Training matchups.
Making his 2017 Cactus League debut for the Dodgers is left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu, who has managed to make just one regular season start over the past two season.
After undergoing elbow surgery last September, Ryu looks to reclaim a permanent spot in the starting rotation for the first time since 2014 when he posted a 3.38 ERA and 2.62 FIP in 152 innings pitched.
Luis Avilan, Yaisel Sierra and Kenley Jansen are among the Dodgers relievers expected to follow Ryu.
The Angels counter with their ace, Garrett Richards, who is also making his way back from an elbow injury. In one start this spring against the Cincinnati Reds, the right-hander allowed three earned runs and four hits in two frames, while also hitting a batter.
Trayce Thompson, starting in right field and batting cleanup, also makes his 2017 spring debut on Saturday, in what’s his first action with the Dodgers since last July.
Looking to win a spot on the Opening Day roster, Thompson hit .225/.302/.436 with 13 home runs and 11 doubles in 262 plate appearances during his first year with the organization.
Andre Ethier (back/hip) and Corey Seager (back/oblique) remain out of the lineup. Seager last played March 3, and Ethier on March 6. Andrew Toles (knee) also is not in the lineup, but is expected to enter off the bench.
Chris Taylor earns another start at shortstop, while Darnell Sweeney is at third base. Sweeney hit one of the Dodgers’ four home runs in their victory over the Angels. Cody Bellinger, whom Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes is a Gold-Glove caliber defender, starts at first base.
The Angels lineup is without several regulars, namely Mike Trout, but does include the likes of C.J. Cron, Danny Espinosa and Ben Revere.
Saturday’s game is being televised by SportsNet LA and FOX Sports West. First pitch at Camelback Ranch is set for 12:05 p.m. PT.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Chase Utley
CF: Joc Pederson
DH: Yasmani Grandal
RF: Trayce Thompson
1B: Cody Bellinger
3B: Darnell Sweeney
C: Austin Barnes
LF: Tyler Holt
SS: Chris Taylor
Angels lineup:
CF: Eric Young Jr.
LF: Ben Revere
2B: Danny Espinosa
1B: Jefry Marte
DH: C.J. Cron
C: Martin Maldonado
RF: Shane Robinson
3B: Kaleb Cowart
SS: Nolan Fontana
