For the second of three designated days this spring, the Los Angeles Dodgers are broken into split-squad games. Whereas there was some time between the start of both contests on March 12, first pitch in Sunday’s set of games are at the same time — 1:05 p.m. PT.
As such, the Dodgers host the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch, and send a travel roster to Maryvale Baseball Park to face the Milwaukee Brewers. Sunday’s meeting is the first of two this spring between the Dodgers and Brewers.
Scott Kazmir takes the mound in a Cactus League game for the first time since March 9. The southpaw sports a 17.18 ERA and allowed six hits in each of his first two outings. Rather than start against the Brewers back on March 14, Kazmir instead pitched in a B game.
Kazmir’s velocity was noticeably down as he worked to find a better rhythm and develop chemistry with Yasmani Grandal. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn’t express any concern over the matter.
Starting opposite Kazmir is right-hander Jimmy Nelson, who is also making his third appearance of 2016 Spring Training. Nelson has allowed just one run on two hits, hit a batter, walked four and recorded one strikeout in his previous outings (four innings pitched).
The 26 year old is 0-2 lifetime against the Dodgers in three regular-season starts, with a 1.89 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He’s totaled 13 strikeouts to four walks and hit three batters across 19 innings. Kazmir has never faced the Brewers during his 11-year career.
Carl Crawford is in the lineup for a second time since returning on March 17 from back soreness. He may be in line for more playing time moving forward as Andre Ethier is saddled with a lower leg contusion that’s forced him to use crutches.
Trayce Thompson, the only Dodgers player to appear every day this spring, starts in center field a second consecutive game, and bats fifth. Thompson is batting .200/.256/.450 with two home runs, one triple, one double and seven RBIs in 17 games.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Carl Crawford
2B: Chase Utley
C: Yasmani Grandal
3B: Alex Guerrero
CF: Trayce Thompson
1B: Rob Segedin
SS: Charlie Culberson
RF: Rico Noel
P: Scott Kazmir
Brewers lineup:
3B: Colin Walsh
C: Jonathan Lucroy
LF: Ryan Braun
RF: Domingo Santana
1B: Will Middlebrooks
CF: Rymer Liriano
2B: Hernan Perez
SS: Yadiel Rivera
P: Jimmy Nelson
