Dodgers In Phoenix To Play Oakland

The Dodgers travel to Phoenix Municipal Stadium this afternoon to play the Oakland A’s. The Dodgers only have three more exhibition games in Arizona after today’s game, and only one game remaining at Camelback Ranch.  Boy time flies doesn’t it? The Dodgers play the Royals tomorrow at Surprise before coming back to Camelback on Tuesday night versus Colorado. After their last Camelback game, they play one final game in Arizona against Seattle on Wednesday night in Peoria before they return to Southern California starting Thursday night for the Freeway Series. The Dodgers will play next Thursday night in Anaheim and then drive home to play their only exhibition game this season at Dodger Stadium on Friday night. Everyone will have their first look at the new improvements to Chavez Ravine by then. The final game of the Freeway Series is back in Anaheim on Saturday. Sunday is an off-day, and opening day is Monday. (Update) The club just announced they have released right hander Mark Lowe. More on this later. The Dodgers now have 38 players in camp.

Mar 12, 2013; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Josh Beckett (61) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the third inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

As you can see Adrian Gonzalez is not in the starting lineup today. He was hit by a pitch in the forearm by dumb dumb Jake Peavy in last night’s game. Thankfully the injury is minor, and Gonzo expects to be back in the lineup on Monday. Gonzo describes it as some minor bruising and soreness in his wrist, and said sitting out was precautionary. There doesn’t appear to be anything to worry about here. Good thing Gonzo is a robot right?

We’re getting closer and closer to opening day by the minute. No Uribe today, which is a good thing. The portly third sacker still has a tight hammy, so Nick Punto is at third base. Jhair will play first base for Gonzo and bat fifth. Fedex will be behind the plate to give A.J. Ellis a rest. Let’s hope today’s game will be as enjoyable as last night’s 10-4 manhandling. One can only hope. Anyways, here is today’s lineup below.

Dodgers Lineup vs. Oakland

A.J. Griffin vs. Josh Beckett

Josh Beckett will be on the mound for the Dodgers. While Oakland counters with A.J. Griffin. Griffin is a second year right hander originally from San Diego. He is 25 years old, and made 15 starts last season for Oakland posting a 7-1 record, 3.06 ERA, and 64 whiffs in 82 innings pitched. He’s pitched in three games this spring. Beckett is in final tune-up stage for the regular season and is pitching his fourth game of the spring. He has an ERA of 0.96 in 9.1 Cactus League innings.

The game should be broadcasted on the MLB Network, and or MLB.tv. First pitch is at 1:05 PM. Go Blue.