Dodgers Begin Four Game Set At Miami, Game One Features Duel Between Rookies

Dodgers Lineup at Miami

Hyun-jin Ryu-12-3 vs. Jose Fernandez-8-5

 *It’s official, Wilson is activated, and Van Slyke optioned*

Well the Dodger winning streak was bound to come to an end at some point, but couldn’t they have just lost normally? Or maybe find a less annoying way to lose? Watching them lose on a walk-off error in the ninth inning with the bases loaded is not pleasant to watch. Hopefully they’ll start a new winning streak tonight as they head into Miami for the final leg of their road trip.

Hanley’s bumbles were bad but let’s not pretend like Brandon League was fooling anyone yesterday. Hanley gets a pass though, because he’s Hanley Ramirez. I can accept a few errors every once in a while for the stupendous offensive production he gives us. I think the main issue with him is that he’s just a bad pitcher right now, and I don’t need to show you any fancy pitching charts, or his xFIP to prove that. 22 whiffs in 44 innings means he doesn’t strike anyone out. He doesn’t miss bats which is key for late inning relievers. I’m not saying the Dodgers have to cut him, but let’s not pretend like the Dodgers don’t have that option. Players get released from their contracts all the time, and Guggenheim has plenty of cash to absorb the loss.  I mean Ted Lilly was just released, and he was owed more money than League. I’m just saying there is always the option, and he’s been terrible for most of the season. But can we just stop using him in tie games? That’s all I’m asking, (Unless it’s like the 15inning or something). But seriously League, can you get a couple of strike outs every once in a while? And stop falling behind in counts. Just a few suggestions to help.

Puig and Craword-Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers do have a roster move to make soon, either today or tomorrow, as Brian Wilson is due to be activated about any moment now. The move will require a roster move, and I hope it’s not Withrow being sent down. Speaking of Wilson, we have a new writer named Lucas Talbot, and he wrote his first article on Brian Wilson which you can find on the front page. Or check it out here. Welcome aboard Lucas!

The Dodgers (72-51) start a four game series in Miami against the Marlins. The series will feature Baseball’s hottest team the Dodgers taking on the worst team in the league record-wise, and Baseball-wise, the Marlins. The pitching match-up for tonight will feature Dodger’s rookie left hander Hyun-jin Ryu taking on Miami rookie right hander Jose Fernandez.

Jose Fernandez-Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Ryu is coming off of another solid performance against the Mets, in which he limited New York hitters to one run on five hits through seven frames. Ryu is 12-3 with a 2.91 ERA and 121 whiffs in 148 innings. Ryu has faced the Fish just once, which was back on May 11. He beat them by throwing 6.2 innings of one-run ball while allowing five hits and whiffing three. Ryu has been very solid this year, and should be a top contender for rookie of the year. Even though he really isn’t a rookie having years of experience pitching in the Korean leagues. Ryu has won six consecutive starts.

For Fernandez, he’s vying for his ninth win of the season. The 21 year old Cuban rookie has been pretty tough this season. He’s 8-5 with a 2.45 ERA and has whiffed 149 and walked 48. Fernandez has been very tough, allowing just a little over six hits per nine innings. He’s even tougher with men on base allowing just a .212 average against. If you get to him, you have to get him early, as his ERA from the seventh inning on is 1.35. I would think runs should be at a premium tonight. Fernandez beat the Dodgers back on May 10 in his only start against the boys in blue.

You can watch the game at 4:05 PM on KCAL 9. This entire series is televised on KCAL 9 so make your arrangements accordingly. Once again, Stacie and I will be blacked out from watching the game. Stacie will have the recap up later tonight, but bear with us. I’ll have to go to a local bar to watch the game, which I may do. Otherwise it’s radio city for me. Radio kind of sucks but what can you do? As always, Go Blue!