News Dodgers Team Notes

May 10: Diamondbacks 3, Dodgers 0

Syndication: Arizona Republic

Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dustin May pitched into the seventh inning for the first time thiis season, but the Dodgers offense was stymied by Corbin Burnes in the Diamondbacks’ win on Saturday night at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/10/24426000/dodgers-diamondbacks-may-10
 
Josue De Paula is on a tear in High-A

Los Angeles Angels v Los Angeles Dodgers

Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images

Zyhir Hope hits another rocket as the Great Lake Loons put up a baker’s dozen, win 13-5

Player of the day​


Josue De Paula is tearing up the High-A Midwest League. After his two-homer, four RBI game in Saturday’s Great Lakes Loons 13-5 win over the Dayton Dragons, his .981 OPS is .059 points better than any other player in the league. MLB Pipelines’ 35th-best overall prospect has been on fire in May, hitting .412 with an OPS of 1.281 in nine games. For a 19-year-old especially, De Paula demonstrates advanced hitting characteristics, including pitch selectivity, contact, and usage of the entire field. De Paula now has 291 at-bats at the High-A level, with a 60/73 strikeout/walk ratio. His emerging power and ability to drive the ball to the opposite field can be seen in both his home runs.


Josue De Paula takes a rehabbing big league vet deep ⚡

MLB's No. 35 prospect (@Dodgers) leads the High-A Midwest League (@greatlakesloons) in OPS (.961) at just 19 years old: pic.twitter.com/D7e5FJo05b

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 10, 2025

MAKE THAT 2! https://t.co/X5OY7GYdop

— Great Lakes Loons (@greatlakesloons) May 10, 2025

Triple-A Oklahoma City​


Justin Wrobleski pitched his best game of the season, going seven innings and holding the Rockies’ affiliate, the Albuquerque Isotopes, to one run in a 2-1 victory. This was the second quality start in a row for Wrobleski, who had a very rough beginning to the season. Austin Gauthier provided all the offense Wrobleski needed, with two RBI singles to drive home both runs for the Comets.

I could not find any update on Dalton Rushing’s injury. Rushing was taken out of the game on Friday after apparently hurting his right wrist/hand fielding a ball in the dirt while catching. No word may be good news, but we’ll have to wait to see how much time this injury will cost him. He did not play in Friday’s game.

Double-A Tulsa​


It was a quiet game for the Drillers, who didn’t score until the eighth inning and lost 5-1. Peter Heubeck started for the Drillers and pitched four innings, giving up three runs (two earned), and taking the loss. The Drillers only run scored on a sacrifice fly by Yeiner Fernandez.

High-A Great Lakes​


The Loons pummeled the Dayton Dragons (Reds) 13-5 with a 16-hit attack, including four home runs. Zyhir Hope hit a three-run homer and is now second in the Midwest League in RBIs with 26.


Zyhir Hope said it was his turn too pic.twitter.com/q4hEqOf4Sf

— Great Lakes Loons (@greatlakesloons) May 11, 2025

Both Hope and De Paula now have six home runs, which tie them for the league lead with a bunch of other guys. DH Joe Vetrano added a double and his second home run.

Starter Luke Fox went five innings to pick up his first win, surrendering one hit, five walks, and striking out seven. 23-year-old Alex Makarwich made his first appearance at High-A after striking out 27 batters while giving up only four hits for Low-A Rancho Cucamonga. He faced four hitters, striking out one and walking three.

Low-A Rancho Cucamonga​


The Quakes defeated the Diamondbacks affiliate, the Visalia Rawhide, 6-2. The Quakes scored three runs in the second on singles by Roger Lasso and Kellon Lindsey to take a 3-0 lead. It was a lead they would never give up. Lindsey ended the day with two hits, a walk, his ninth stolen base, and two RBIs. Aidan Foeller started the game for the Quakes and went four and two-thirds innings, giving up two runs, two hits, two walks, and striking out eight.

Saturday scores​

Sunday schedule​

  • Great Lakes (Sean Linan) at Dayton (Gabriel Aguilera), 10:05 AM PST
  • Tulsa (Jackson Ferris) at Amarillo (Avery Short), 11:05 AM PST
  • Albuquerque (Anthony Molina) at Oklahoma City (Clayton Kershaw), 12:05 PM PST
  • Rancho Cucamonga (Logan Tabeling) at Visalia (Grayson Hitt), 2:00 PM PST

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/11/24427867/dodgers-minors-josue-depaula-zyhir-hope
 
Dodgers turn attention to the American League this week

MLB: MAR 24 Spring Training Angels at Dodgers

Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

A’s and Angels come to Dodger Stadium this week

The Dodgers are among only an Alfonsecan handful of teams to have only played two interleague series to date, but they will make up for lost time this week by welcoming the Oakland Athletics and Angels to Dodger Stadium for six games.

Up first are the A’s, who play in major league stadiums only half of the time as they call a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento their interim home for now. The Dodgers usually play the Angels twice per season, but one of the changes to the MLB schedule this season was that all interleague series are three games, so no more two-gamers against “natural rivals.”

The Dodgers swept the Tigers in their first interleague series this season, from March 27-29 at Dodger Stadium, then took two of three games against the Rangers from April 18-20.

Because this week features only American League opponents for the Dodgers, I wanted to think of the now 29 seasons of interleague play, which dates back to 1997.

Today’s question is what is your favorite interleague play memory?

This doesn’t necessarily have to be Dodgers-specific, but a few interleague moments that came to find were Chan Ho Park’s spinning kick of Tim Belcher in 1999, the Dodgers getting no-hit by the Angels but winning anyway in 2008, or even Shohei Ohtani’s walk-off grand slam to beat the Rays last season while clinching a 40-40 season.

Let us know your interleague memories in the comments below.

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/12/24428312/dodgers-schedule-interleague-play
 
Freddie Freeman wins NL player of the week

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dodgers first baseman led league in hits and RBI while hitting .500 with a 1.000 slugging percentage on the road in Miami and Phoenix. 10th career player of the week award for Freeman

Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was named National League player of the week on Monday after piling up the hits on the road against the Marlins and Diamondbacks.

Freeman hit .500/.500/1.000 with three home runs, three doubles, and a triple, leading the NL with 14 hits and 12 RBI over the last week, while scoring seven runs in seven games.

He punctuated his week with his first four-hit game of the season on Sunday at Chase Field, including two doubles, and a home run. During that series finale in Arizona, Freeman passed 900 career extra-base hits, just the 70th player in MLB history to do so.


Freddie splash! pic.twitter.com/mruXGYjK7E

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 11, 2025

Despite missing 11 games with left rib discomfort and a right ankle sprain, Freeman on the season is just one off the National League RBI lead, driving in 33 runs in his 30 games. He’s one plate appearance shy of qualifying, but has the best OPS (1.170), slugging percentage (.734), batting average (.376), and wRC+ (215).

Freeman is the second Dodger to win player of the week in 2025, along with outfielder Andy Pages for the week with April 21-27.

This is the 10th career player of the week award for Freeman, and his fifth since joining the Dodgers. He took home the honor three times during the 2022 season and then again for the week of July 31-August 6, 2023.

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/12/24428328/freddie-freeman-national-league-player-of-week-dodgers
 
Clayton Kershaw will return to start Saturday for Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers v Texas Rangers

Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

Left-hander will be activated off the 60-day injured list to tie a franchise record with his 18th season with the Dodgers.

LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw’s record-tying 18th season with the Dodgers will officially commence on Saturday against the Angels at Dodger Stadium, manager Dave Roberts said on Tuesday.

Kershaw has been on the injured list since the start of the season, after surgeries on his left toe and left knee last November. He for the most part was recovered from the knee injury by spring training, but the toe took longer, including four weeks each on crutches and in a walking boot before he could throw regularly.

In five minor league rehab starts — three with Triple-A Oklahoma City, one with Double-A Tulsa, and another in the Arizona Complex League — Kershaw had a 2.57 ERA with 16 strikeouts and five walks in 21 innings. His final rehab start came Sunday in Triple-A, allowing two runs in four innings while pitching on four days rest.

Kershaw will start Saturday on five days rest.

“It’s a big shot in the arm. Clayton has really worked hard to get back, and the bar is high for him,” Roberts said Tuesday. “He doesn’t just want to come back to be active. He wants to come back and help us win baseball games and be active.”

Kershaw’s 17 seasons with the Dodgers is already a franchise record for pitchers. Once he gets into a game this year, he’ll tie Zack Wheat and Bill Russell for the most seasons with the Dodgers by any player.

Because Kershaw is on the 60-day injured list, the Dodgers will need corresponding move(s) to make room on the 40-man roster as well as to clear space on the active roster.

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/13/24429730/clayton-kershaw-return-dodgers-angels
 
The highs and lows of Michael Conforto

MLB: MAY 13 Athletics at Dodgers

Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Michael Conforto was a smashing return on investment for the Dodgers after the first week of the season.

The Dodgers were a perfect 8-0 to start the year and the former division rival was hitting .368 with three doubles and a home run in that stretch. They sported a record of 11-6 through the remainder of April after a 2-4 east coast trip, but the outfielder signed to a $17 million deal in the offseason mired in a frustrating drought that left him with a woeful .385 OPS and no RBI over his final 16 games in April.

The Dodgers’ 10-game road trip proved to be a turning point for Conforto, as capped his final two games in Arizona with three hits, including his first extra-base hit over his last 30 games entering Sunday. He was the lone bright spot in an 11-1 loss against the Athletics on Tuesday as he tallied three doubles, his first three-hit game as a Dodger.

The routine playing time Dave Roberts gave him is beginning to pay off, and Roberts is impressed with Conforto’s ability to remain determined despite continuous failure at the plate, per Benjamin Royer of the Los Angeles Times.

“I’m just impressed that he just kind of kept his head down,” Roberts said of Conforto. “Going through this thing that he was going through for the first five weeks of the season. I think he’s really starting to get some confidence now.”

Links​


Landon Knack was able to limit free passes and tied a career-high with eight strikeouts on Tuesday, but two mistake pitches to Jacob Wilson made the difference early on and spoiled a season-best performance from the right-hander.

Knack spoke with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA on his inability to put away the rookie shortstop with his slider— a pitch that generates a .500 batting average against— and the entire pitching staff’s failure to keep him off base.


Landon Knack (L (2-1), 4.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 8 K, BB, 94 P) speaks to the media after the #Dodgers lose to the Athletics 11-1 in their series home-opener. pic.twitter.com/0CQRdOPTkQ

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 14, 2025

The Dodgers signed right-handed pitcher Lou Trivino to a minor-league deal on Saturday, with Anthony Franco of MLBTradeRumors.com being the first to report.

Trivino has spent his career with the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees and, most recently, the San Francisco Giants, where he posted a 5.84 over 12 1⁄3 innings before being released on Friday.

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/14/24429734/dodgers-michael-conforto-landon-knack-lou-trivino
 
Dodgers vs. A’s game II chat

MLB: Athletics at Los Angeles Dodgers

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Dodgers and A’s each had scores with only ones in them last night. Let’s see if they can pull off such a trick tonight!


Let's run it back pic.twitter.com/cTrcHTW86Y

— Athletics (@Athletics) May 14, 2025

Tonight's #Dodgers lineup vs. Athletics: pic.twitter.com/KhXjllMZbX

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 14, 2025

Game info​

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. A’s
  • Stadium: Dodger Stadium
  • Start time: 7:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/24430206/dodgers-athletics-game-chat
 
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes scoring runs in bunches

MLB: SEP 20 Rockies at Dodgers

Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

14, 25, and 12 runs scored in the last three games for the Quakes. Michael Kopech allowed three runs in his third rehab game in Triple-A.

Low-A Rancho Cucamonga has gone on a scoring rampage, plating fifty-one runs in their last three games. Oklahoma City got shut out, Great Lakes got rained out, and Tulsa won their game.

Player of the day​


Kellon Lindsey gets the player of the day for his two-hit, four-RBI game. The Dodgers ‘ first-round draft pick from the 2024 draft is off to a good start to his pro career in Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Compared by scouts to Trea Turner, the shortstop is hitting .280/.394/.390 with 29 runs scored and 10 stolen bases in 28 games.

Triple-A Oklahoma City​


With slugging catcher Dalton Rushing called up to the major leagues, the Comets only managed four hits in getting shut out by the Round Rock Express (Rangers) 5-0. Veteran starter Adrian Houser was just one out short of a complete game shutout. Michael Kopech, struggling to get back into form after recovering from an arm injury that goes back to last season, faced five batters, giving up three runs on a walk and two hits, including a two-run home run.

Double-A Tulsa​


The Drillers defeated the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Royals) 5-2. Jared Karros started for the Drillers, but couldn’t get out of the second inning, needing 52 pitches to get five outs. His ERA stands at 7.67 after seven starts. The Drillers scored two runs in both the first and second innings; the big hits were a double by Aaron Bracho and a triple by Sean McLain.

High-A Great Lakes​


The Great Lakes game against the Lake County Captains was postponed. They’ll play a doubleheader on Thursday.

Low-A Rancho Cucamonga​


The Quakes had another big offensive game, scoring 12 runs on 14 hits, and winning 12-8 over the Inland Empire 66ers (Angels). Right fielder Jaron Elkins had a big game with three hits, including a double and a triple. Eduardo Quintero, who now leads the California League in OPS since teammate Mike Sirota was promoted, had two hits, a run, and an RBI.

Wednesday scores​

Thursday schedule​

  • Northwest Arkansas (Henry Williams) at Tulsa (Jacob Meador), 9:00 AM PST
  • Oklahoma City (Nick Frasso) at Round Rock (Ty Blach), 5:05 PM PST
  • Lake County (Matt Wilkinson) at Great Lakes (Wyatt Crowell), 3:05 PM PST game 1
  • Lake County (Josh Hartle) at Great Lakes (TBA), game 2
  • Inland Empire (Chris Clark) at Rancho Cucamonga (Hyun-Seok Jang), 6:30 PM PST

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/15/24430708/dodgers-minors-michael-kopech-kellon-lindsey
 
Dodgers vs. A’s game III chat

Athletics v. Los Angeles Dodgers

Photo by Tom Wilson/MLB Photos via Getty Images

One more time for the Dodgers and A’s.


Today's lineup vs. Los Angeles (NL) - May 15, 2025 at Dodger Stadium pic.twitter.com/8w9myOhEJZ

— A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) May 15, 2025

Tonight’s #Dodgers lineup vs. Athletics: pic.twitter.com/iLA6fdLu8t

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 15, 2025

Thursday game info​

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. A’s
  • Stadium: Dodger Stadium
  • Start time: 7:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/24431026/dodgers-athletics-game-chat
 
Dodgers bid farewell to Austin Barnes

World Series - Tampa Bay Rays v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game Six

Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Dave Roberts: “Austin Barnes is a Dodger for life”

LOS ANGELES — The elation of the Dodgers calling up top prospect Dalton Rushing came with the somberness of losing someone who was beloved in the clubhouse with Austin Barnes getting designated for assignment.

One of the first transactions in Andrew Friedman’s tenure running the front office was one of his best. Dee Strange-Gordon, Dan Haren, Miguel Rojas, and $10 million went to the Marlins, and the Dodgers got Barnes, Kiké Hernández, reliever Chris Hatcher, plus Andrew Heaney, who was flipped for Howie Kendrick.

Hernández and Barnes became stalwarts through one of the most successful runs in franchise history, both parts of four pennant-winners and two championship teams. Barnes, in his 11th season, was the longest-tenured position player on the Dodgers.

“I think everyone was surprised. Barnesy was one of my best friends, on or off the field,” said Clayton Kerhsaw, who threw to Barnes for 508 innings over 86 games. “You won’t find a guy that competes more than Austin Barnes. He loves to win more than anybody, and he always found a way.

“It’s sad to see someone like that go who’s been here that long. We all feel it. It’s no disrespect to Dalton, I think he deserves it, and he’s going to be a great player. For me personally, and for a lot of guys on the team, it was disappointing to see him go.”

The upgrade from Barnes to Rushing is obvious, especially on offense, as Barnes since the start of 2023 is hitting .217/.283/.272 with a 59 wRC+ and the fourth-lowest slugging percentage among 396 major league hitters with at least 400 plate appearances during that time.

Barnes only threw out one of 16 runners trying to steal in his 12 starts, and Baseball Savant rates him as two caught stealings below average, tied for 58th among major league catchers. But Barnes’ strength is in his receiving skills, ranked eighth among MLB catchers in framing runs by FanGraphs dating back to 2017, despite averaging only 38 starts per year during that span.

“A lot of his superpower is getting pitchers to be the best that they can be,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s obviously known for his receiving.”

Dodgers Clayton Kershaw, left, and Austin Barnes hold the Championship trophy in Game 6 of the World Series at Globe Life Field on October 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas.
Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Dodgers Clayton Kershaw, left, and Austin Barnes hold the Championship trophy in Game 6 of the World Series at Globe Life Field on October 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas.

“For me it was always his ability to steal strikes. It was always very fluid and crisp. I don’t want to say he was fooling the umpire, but you watch some guys try to do it, and it looks so natural for Barnes,” said Alex Vesia. “I remember multiple games where he stole multiple strikes that literally changed the course of the game.

“I always thought he did a really good job of calling a game. The position he was put in, to give Will [Smith] a day off, and still compete, come out and have a game plan. It’s hard to do, very hard to do. But he did great.”

“Just watching him work, with his finger on the pulse at all times. Calling pitches that pitchers didn’t usually throw, calling pitches that shouldn’t be thrown against certain hitters,” Max Muncy said. “He just had the feel of the game in that moment, recognizing things. He was so elite at that. It was so cool watching our pitchers falling in love with him, and trusting him. ... Those moments, stuff like that will stick with me forever.”

Barnes led the Dodgers in starts behind the plate once with the Dodgers, in 2019, when he started the season as the regular backstop and Russell Martin the backup. But Will Smith made his way to the majors and assumed the duties by the end of the year.

But Barnes, the backup catcher, had staying power. He signed a two-year deal covering his final two arbitration years through 2022, and before that season ended re-upped for another two-year deal through 2024, with a club option for 2025 that was exercised by the Dodgers in November.

Barnes’ 11 seasons as a Dodgers catcher is tied with John Roseboro for fourth-most in Dodgers franchise history. Only Steve Yeager at 14 years, and 13 years each for Mike Scioscia and Otto Miller have more.

Yasmani Grandal was the starting catcher in 2017 and 2018, but by October was slumping and the Dodgers mostly turned to Barnes, who started 24 of 31 postseason games during those two seasons. In 2020, Will Smith was the regular catcher but the universal designated hitter was allowed in the National League for the first time, and Barnes caught eight of 18 postseason games that year, too.

“Barnesy was just so on the button when it came to the postseason. He knew exactly what was needed, he knew exactly what to do,” Muncy said. “There was a couple of years where he may not have played a ton during the regular season, but as soon as we got to the postseason, he was catching almost every game.”

Barnes’ 15 World Series starts in 2017, 2018, and 2020 are the fourth-most in Dodgers franchise history, behind only Roy Campanella (32 starts), John Roseboro (21), and Steve Yeager (20).

2020 was Barnes’ best postseason, with three multi-hit games, a home run in Game 3 of the World Series, and he hit .320/.393/.440 in his 10 games that October. He even caught the last out that clinched the Dodgers’ first championship in 32 years.

Some Dodgers shared their favorite Barnes memory.

“The hit against Blake Snell, to go to the bullpen. That was a good one,” Roberts said. “And the arms up, embracing Julio in Texas, that was a great moment. He’s not a very emotional guys, but some of the memes I’ve seen in the postseason — I just love that guy.”

The hit against Snell was in Game 6 of the World Series, with one out in the sixth inning. It was just the second hit of the game off Snell, who struck out nine Dodgers and was only at 73 pitches. Famously, Rays manager Kevin Cash went to the bullpen to a tired Nick Anderson, and within six pitches the Dodgers had a lead they would never relinquish.

“We both weren’t a part of it a ton last year,” Kershaw said, “But in 2020 with him catching a lot of those games, getting to hug him after that was pretty special.”

Barnes has a very dry sense of humor, which Vesia called “a different type of comedy.”

Last July, Shohei Ohtani hit a 473-foot home run nearly out of the back of the right field pavilion that was the talk of the clubhouse after the game. The blast directly followed a home run by Barnes, his first of the year and ultimately last as a Dodger. After several players offered unprompted thoughts on Ohtani’s home run, Barnes was asked what he thought of it.

“I was still thinking about mine,” Barnes quipped.

Barnes is making $3.5 million this season, with roughly $2.5 million remaining depending on the timing of what happens next. After designating Barnes for assignment on Wednesday, so we’ll know what’s next by next Wednesday. The Dodgers could trade him, someone could claim Barnes off waivers (and assume the salary), or he could clear waivers and get released.

“I expect him to hook up with somebody else, and impact another ball club,” Roberts said. “There’s more baseball in there from him.”

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/16/24430319/dodgers-austin-barnes-memories
 
Dodgers hit into record five double plays in loss to Angels

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Los Angeles Dodgers

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Dustin May’s start had mixed results, but the Dodgers hit into five double plays in eight innings and only mustered two runs of support.

The Dodgers (29-16) and Angels (18-25) opened Rivalry Weekend with a good old-fashioned Freeway series at Dodger Stadium.

Five double plays, a franchise record, contributed mightily to the Dodgers’ offensive struggles against an effective Jack Kochanowicz. The Dodgers had opportunities with men on base, but the double plays erased most hope.

The Dodgers have averaged seven runs per game over the last few weeks and scored a whopping 19 runs against the A’s the game prior, but the offense clammed up and gave May only two runs of support.

Yoán Moncada attacked May early with a two-run home run on a sinker up in the first inning.

Hyeseong Kim continued to make his case to stay with the Dodgers using his bat. Kim singled off Kochanowicz with two outs in the bottom of the third, and with that base hit he has now reached base in eight consecutive plate appearances.

The Angels had runners on base in each inning against May who struggled to find his timing. May loaded the bases with one out in the fourth after hitting back-to-back hitters uncharacteristically.

The home plate umpire Cory Blaser gave May a gift strike on a terrible strike two call on Zach Neto. Neto shook his head at the bad call then proceeded to double in two more runs for the Halos.

Max Muncy is really coming to life. The Dodgers finally gave May some run support in the fourth thanks to a Will Smith single and Muncy RBI double against Kochanowicz to make it a 4-1 game.

Kim got on base again, for the ninth straight plate appearance, with an infield single with one out in the home half of the fifth. Unfortunately, the Dodgers grounded into a double play again as well to end the inning.

It was the third double play the Angels turned. They turned a fourth DP, an extra slick one, in the bottom of the seventh.

Andy Pages fired an absolute rocket to third base ahead of the baserunner Taylor Ward reminiscent of Yasiel Puig, but the runner just barely got under the tag. Although Dave Roberts lost the challenge, the throw was impressive nevertheless.

Jack Dreyer and Luis García pitched a combined three innings of shutout ball to keep the Dodgers within three runs of the lead.

Shohei Ohtani crushed his 16th home run, a solo shot off reliever Ryan Zeferjahn to make it 4-2 with one out in the bottom of the eighth.


Shohei Ohtani's MLB-leading 16th home run of the season. #RivalryWeekend pic.twitter.com/3uYxCQ8FTN

— MLB (@MLB) May 17, 2025

Freddie Freeman grounded into yet another double play and the fifth of the game for the Dodgers.

Ryan Loutos made his Dodgers debut in the top of the ninth, and the Angels got to him with a Zach Neto double and a Nolan Schanuel single for two more runs.

Old friend Kenley Jansen emerged from the Angels bullpen to shut down his former team.

Friday particulars​


Home runs: Yoán Moncada (3), Shohei Ohtani (16)

WP — Jack Kochanowicz (3-5): 6 2⁄3 IP, 5 hits, 1 run, 4 walks, 5 strikeouts (104 pitches)

LP — Dustin May (1-4): 5 IP, 6 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts (95 pitches)

Up next​


Saturday marks the return of Clayton Kershaw to the mound for the Dodgers in his 18th season. The Angels counter with their left-hander Tyler Anderson (2-1, 2.58 ERA, 1.06 WHIP).

You can catch the first Kershaw Day of the season an hour earlier at (6:10 p.m.; SportsNet LA, FanDuel Sports Network West, MLB Network).

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/1...ve-double-plays-in-freeway-series-opener-loss
 
Once again, the Dodgers need Clayton Kershaw

MLB: Athletics at Los Angeles Dodgers

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Kershaw, entering his 18th season: “When you haven’t done something in a long time, you realize you miss it. You miss being a part of a team and contributing.”

LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw’s name is already etched in several spots of the Dodgers record book. On Saturday, he’ll add another milestone by playing in his 18th season with the team.

He already held the longest franchise tenure by a pitcher, but this start against the Angels will tie Kershaw with outfielder Zack Wheat and shortstop Bill Russell for the most seasons with the team by anyone. After missing time in the second half of 2023 with a shoulder injury that required offseason surgery, and after only seven starts in 2024 between rehabbing from surgery then injuring his left big toe, Kershaw is just happy to be on a major league mound again.

But he doesn’t want to only be a placeholder.

“It’s time to get going again and compete. I just want to be a contributing part to this team, so I’m excited to be able to do that. It’s been a long time. It’s been a long time,” Kershaw said Thursday. “I don’t take it for granted anymore to get to go out there and be able to pitch at Dodger Stadium. Saturday will — it will be fun if we win but regardless, it will be exciting to get back out there.”

Kershaw in five minor league rehab starts had a 2.57 ERA with 16 strikeouts and five walks in 21 innings. He topped out at 89 mph on his fastball in the three starts in Triple-A — the ones with publicly-available game data — but also got 38 swings on his 51 sliders in those games and 15 swinging strikes on the pitch for a 39.5-percent whiff rate.

Most importantly, Kershaw says he feels healthy after surgeries on his left toe and knee last November.

“When you stop worrying about feeling bad, and you start worrying about performance, that’s when you know you’ve turned the corner,” Kershaw said. “Those last few rehab starts I was more concerned about throwing well and getting guys out than I was how my foot felt or anything like that. That was a good sign for me physically.

“Now it’s just a process of figuring out how to get guys out consistently and perform. That’s a much better place to be than seeing if you’re hurt or not.”

The Dodgers do need Kershaw to perform, as their rotation has several missing pieces.

Roki Sasaki was placed on the injured list this week, with no real timetable for his return. Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell have thrown in some capacity over the last week, but neither are particularly close to a major league mound. All three are dealing with shoulder injuries.

Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching has been so methodical that it’s hard to even imagine him on a major league mound until after the All-Star break.

The Dodgers are in the middle of a busy schedule with few off days, which stretches for nearly four more weeks, with limited rotation options. Kershaw isn’t a luxury item, the franchise icon hanging on as an extra. The Dodgers will look to him for some rotation stability.

That begins on Saturday night, for Kershaw’s 430th career major league start. Judging by the smiles on his face this week, he plans to enjoy it. Because pitching is what he does.

“When you haven’t done something in a long time, you realize you miss it. You miss being a part of a team and contributing. There’s a lot of gratitude and gratefulness in getting back to that point. I definitely feel that,” Kershaw said. “Now if I go out there and don’t pitch good it’s going to go away real fast. There’s a performance aspect of it, too. But I think for now, being on the other side of it, just super excited and grateful to go back out there again.”

Saturday game info​

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Angels
  • Stadium: Dodger Stadium
  • Start time: 6:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA, FanDuel Sports Network West (Angels broadcast), MLB Network (out of market)
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/17/24431230/clayton-kershaw-dodgers-return
 
Dodgers release Chris Taylor

Athletics v Los Angeles Dodgers

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

A part of 4 pennant-winning teams and former NLCS MVP, Taylor wasn’t playing much with the Dodgers in the final year of his contract.

The week of transition continues at Dodger Stadium. Chris Taylor was released by the Dodgers on Sunday, the second veteran from four pennant-winning teams jettisoned this week.

Decision time was coming soon for the Dodgers with both Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández nearing returns from the injured list. Edman was activated Sunday, taking Taylor’s spot on the active roster.

James Outman and Hyeseong Kim have filled in on the roster with Edman and Hernández out, and Kim has done just about everything asked of him.

Meanwhile, Taylor rarely played. He’s been passed over for playing time by fellow right-handed batters Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas. Taylor has batted only 35 times in the Dodgers’ 46 games, starting just six times. The left-handed Kim has started nine of the last 12 games.

Taylor on the season is hitting .200/.200/.257, and since the start of last season is hitting .202/.286/.294 with a 68 wRC+ that ranks 345th of 374 major league hitters with at least 250 plate appearances.

Acquired from the Mariners for former prospect Zach Lee in 2016, Taylor was an integral part of the Dodgers’ first three pennant-winning teams of this modern era, playing all over the infield and outfield as needed.

From 2017-21, Taylor hit .265/.343/.461 with a 116 wRC+, averaging 2.9 Wins Above Replacement by both FanGraphs and Baseball Reference versions. He shared the 2017 NLCS MVP with Justin Turner, led off the Dodgers’ first World Series in 29 years with a home run, and hit three home runs in Game 5 of the 2021 NLCS.

Taylor, now 34, is in the final year of a four-year, $60 million contract signed before the 2022 season. He’s making $13 million this season, with roughly $9.3 million remaining. There’s also a $12 million club option for 2026, with a $4 million buyout. So that’s just over $13.3 million in guaranteed money remaining on his deal that the Dodgers are eating, less the pro-rated major league minimum salary should Taylor sign on elsewhere.

Taylor took over the mantle of longest-tenured Dodgers position player on Wednesday when backup catcher Austin Barnes was designated for assignment. Now that title belongs to Max Muncy, who has been in the majors with the team since April 2018.

In parts of 10 seasons with the Dodgers, Taylor hit .250/.330/.431 with a 107 wRC+, 108 home runs, 14 doubles, and 81 stolen bases. He started over 100 games in left field, center field, shortstop, and second base, and also started 50 games at third base during his time in Los Angeles.

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/18/24432652/dodgers-chris-taylor-released
 
May 18: Angels 6, Dodgers 4

MLB: MAY 18 Angels at Dodgers

Photo by John McCoy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Dodgers swept by Angels at home

Tony Gonsolin broke skin on his right thumb, which was gushing blood in the first inning, the Dodgers came back to tie late, but lost again to the Angels on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, completing a disappointing, pitching-deficient sweep at the hands of the Halos over the weekend.

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/18/24431690/dodgers-angels-may-18
 
Dodgers face Arizona for three at home

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Los Angeles Dodgers

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Fresh off of being swept by the cross-town Angels, the Dodgers get ready to face the Diamondbacks again. The last time was a battle, and the Dodgers hope to not have that again to try to save some of their weary bullpen.

The Dodgers are really hurting right now, in more ways than one. The loss of multiple pitchers to injuries, the cuts of long-time popular teammates in Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor, and being swept at home by the Angels — something that hasn’t happened in a three-game series since 2010.

There are some bright spots, however. Tommy Edman has returned from his injury stint, and the Dodgers called up the highly regarded prospect, catcher Dalton Rushing. Both should give the lineup more length, and pop. Max Muncy has nine RBI over his last seven games, seemingly out of his horrific slump. Teoscar Hernandez is also expected to rejoin the lineup as early as Monday.

That lineup is going to have to do some heavy lifting if the Dodgers want to garner some wins. Their upcoming schedule is rough - three with Arizona, then an East Coast trip to play the New York Mets and Cleveland Guardians, then back home to play the New York Yankees, and the Mets again.

The biggest issue as Dodgers fans know, is the precariousness of the pitching staff. Clayton Kershaw came back at the right time, essentially replacing Roki Sasaki in the rotation. Landon Knack has been thrown in as the fifth starter, hopefully being able to go at least through five innings to help the beleaguered bullpen. But Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May have all been shaky in their last starts, leading manager Dave Roberts to have to repeatedly dip into the bullpen earlier than he had hoped.

The Arizona series will be tough. The Diamondbacks offense hit well against the Dodgers pitching in the four-game series in Arizona just over a week ago. The starters had mixed results in the last series -Yoshinobu Yamamoto was tagged for five earned runs, doubling his pristine ERA at the time. But May allowed only two earned runs over 6⅔ innings of work, and Gonsolin held them scoreless through five.

Neither Brandon Pfaadt nor Corbin Burnes allowed any runs in their outings against the Dodgers, and the D-backs took both of those games. The Dodgers will face both pitchers again this time through, starting with Pfaadt Monday night.

The Dodgers offense has been a roller coaster, where they have a huge explosion of runs, followed by very few runs, over and over again.

L.A. will send Knack to the mound to face Pfaadt. Knack only went 4⅔ innings in his last outing against the Oakland A’s, allowing five earned runs.

Monday game info​

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks
  • Stadium: Dodger Stadium
  • Start time: 7:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/19/24433263/dodgers-diamondbacks-preview
 
Dodgers pitching & defense lacking in fourth straight loss

MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Early misplays exacerbated by D-backs home runs, digging too big a deficit for the Dodgers to overcome.

The current Dodgers homestand was set up to be a respite, a way to recharge in familiar environs after playing 10 games on the road. Instead, the last seven days at Dodger Stadium have shone light on various flaws and shortcomings of a team playing bad baseball. The Diamondbacks pasted the Dodgers 9-5 on Monday night in a game that was ugly from the jump.

The Dodgers have lost four straight games and five out of seven, thanks to a pitching staff that has allowed 6.86 runs per game on the homestand. The defense hasn’t helped.

Hyeseong Kim won four Golden Glove Awards in the Korean Baseball Organization while playing in the middle infield, the only player in KBO history to win those awards at both shortstop and second base. But the Dodgers are trying to make him into a utility man, and growing pains of that effort led to two runs in the first inning.

With two runners on, a fly ball by Eugenio Suárez was completely lost by Kim and fell untouched for a gift double that directly scored one run, followed by a groundout that instead of ending the inning brought home a second run instead.


Just gonna drop right by ya. pic.twitter.com/CSXd6JX27P

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 20, 2025

Kim was starting in center field on a night Andy Pages got a rare rest day. They could have played the career infielder at second base and had Tommy Edman in center instead of the other way around. But this was also Edman’s second day off the injured list, and manager Dave Roberts talked last week about how Edman would likely play more infield than outfield for a bit as to not further stress the right ankle inflammation that bothered him more while running.

The Dodgers have allowed runs in the first inning in each of the last five games, 11 runs in total in those last five opening frames.

The second inning started with Max Muncy throwing errantly on a Tim Tawa infield single, then opener Jack Dreyer airmailing a pitch over home plate for a wild pitch that got Tawa to second. Two outs brought home a third run.

Those first three runs looked downright quaint by the third inning, when Landon Knack allowed a pair of two-run home runs before recording his second out.

At this point, down 7-0, Knack’s main job was less about the competitiveness of Monday’s game, but rather to stay in as long as possible to soak up more outs that the most-used bullpen in the majors wouldn’t need to get. To that end, Knack recovered nicely and completed five innings without allowing another run, and even retired his final seven batters faced.

But he needed a career-high 106 pitches to do so, thanks in part to a 16-pitch battle with Gabriel Moreno that ended with a flyout in the fifth inning. It was the most pitches in any major league plate appearance since Anthony Santander singled at the end of a 16-pitch battle against Taylor Clarke on May 2, 2023.

This was just the third time Knack has thrown 100 pitches as a professional, and his other two times were in the minors. He threw 103 pitches for Triple-A Oklahoma City on August 6, 2024, and tossed 101 pitches for Double-A Tulsa on June 10, 2023.

Much like on May 8 in Arizona, the Dodgers hit the ball hard against Brandon Pfaadt but got limited results. The right-hander retired his first 10 batters in this one, and despite 11 hard-hit balls only allowed three hits in his six innings. All three hits were home runs, two by Mookie Betts and one by Shohei Ohtani, but they were all solo shots.

Pfaadt struck out nobody but got through six innings allowing just those three runs.

That pseudo-comeback by the Dodger was somewhat muted when Matt Sauer allowed a home run to Geraldo Perdomo in the eighth inning, Arizona’s third two-run home run of the night.

Those insurance runs proved useful for Arizona, as the Dodgers plated two more in the ninth and put two more runners on, but never got the tying run to the plate.

Monday particulars​


Home runs: Mookie Betts 2 (8), Shohei Ohtani (17); Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (8), Gabriel Moreno (2), Geraldo Perdomo (6)

WP — Brandon Pfaadt (7-3): 6 IP, 3 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk

LP — Jack Dreyer (2-2): 2 IP, 3 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout

Sv — Shelby Miller (5): 1 up, 1 down

Up next​


The Dodgers turn to Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Tuesday night (7:10 p.m. PT; SportsNet LA, MLB Network), with Ryne Nelson on the mound for Arizona.

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/1...n-knack-jack-dreyer-hyeseong-kim-diamondbacks
 
Dodgers pitchers giving up too many home runs in May

Los Angeles Angels v Los Angeles Dodgers

Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

LA arms have allowed 31 home runs in 17 games in May, tied for most in the majors this month and matching the team total through April in 31 games.

The Dodgers pitching woes continued on Monday night, falling behind 7-0 early and giving up nine runs in a loss to the Diamondbacks. They’ve given up nine or more runs four times in the last 10 games.

Arizona hit three home runs on Monday, giving the Dodgers 31 home runs allowed through 17 games in May, matching their total for the first 31 games of the season through the end of April. Those 31 home runs are the most allowed in the majors in May, tied with an Orioles team that is playing so badly that they just fired their manager.

“It’s not the staff we thought we’d have this season, but I feel that what we still do and have done in the past with injuries, we’re not doing,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters after Monday’s loss, as shown on SportsNet LA. “I say that in the sense of getting ahead of hitters and keeping the ball in the ballpark.”

It’s difficult to survive a long stretch by relying so heavily on a bullpen that leads the majors in appearances and innings, even if the Dodgers have the hardware from last October as proof that it is at least possible. It’s just a hard way to live.

With so many starters and relievers on the injured list, there’s no cavalry expected in the immediate future, outside of maybe Michael Kopech back in the bullpen perhaps by next week depending on how his rehab assignment progresses in Triple-A. Outside of a few fresh-arm reliever call-ups, for the next couple of weeks the Dodgers pitching staff pretty much is what it is.

Only three times in 17 games has a Dodgers pitcher logged more than five innings, including two of them by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who starts Tuesday night.

Tuesday game info​

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks
  • Stadium: Dodger Stadium
  • Start time: 7:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/20/24433885/dodgers-pitchers-home-runs
 
Dodgers snap losing streak with walk-off win

MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Arizona ruined Yoshinbou Yamamoto’s gem with three late runs, but the Dodgers got those runs right back in the bottom of the 10th inning to win 4-3.

The Dodgers needed 10 innings and a three-run bottom half to come away with a walk-off win against the Arizona Diamondbacks and put an end to their four game losing streak.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto was tasked with putting an end to the losing skid, entering having allowed five runs in his previous outing against Arizona and eight runs combined over his last two starts.

Both Yamamoto and Arizona right-hander Ryne Nelson mirrored pitch counts through an inning of shutout work. While Yamamoto was perfect to begin his night, Nelson allowed a one out single to Mookie Betts before inducing a line out double play to face the minimum. The two counterparts matched each other over the next two frames with two perfect innings against the middle and bottom of the lineup.

Yamamoto had faced 10 Arizona hitters before allowing a base runner until Ketel Marte worked a six pitch walk after being ahead in the count 3-0. Yamamoto escaped further trouble in the inning before the Dodgers answered back with multiple base runners, all coming with two outs. A pair of doubles from Freddie Freeman and Will Smith helped the Dodgers break the scoreless ice and gave them their first lead of the series.


Will Smith is clutch. pic.twitter.com/yXZRi8n9Nr

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 21, 2025

Yamamoto continued his dominance over his next two innings of work, striking out the side in the sixth inning to give him his first quality start since May 2 against the Atlanta Braves. Yamamoto became the first Dodger since Ryan Pepiot on Sept. 7, 2023 against the Miami Marlins to carry a no-hitter into the seventh inning, but the no-hit bid was spoiled with a Ketel Marte single to begin the seventh.


Yoshinobu strikes out the side! pic.twitter.com/9RM4BaDgKS

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 21, 2025

Yamamoto faced his only jam of the night as he put men at the corner’s with two away, but set down Pavin Smith with his ninth strikeout on his career high 110th pitch of the night. His departure was met with a resounding standing ovation after completing his best start as a Dodger.

Alex Vesia faced trouble after relieving Yamamoto in the eighth inning, as he put the first two runners on with no outs. He ended up getting a pop out of Jordan Lawlar and struck out Corbin Carroll before intentionally walking Ketel Marte to load the bases for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Dave Roberts remembered what happened the last time Gurriel hit with the bases loaded against a Dodger southpaw, bringing in Ben Casparius to get out of the jam while keeping the lead in tact.

Tanner Scott was brought in to record his 10th save of the season, but just like he did against the Cubs at Wrigley Field in April, allowed a game-tying home run to the opposing catcher, this time with Gabriel Moreno smacking his third home run of the season. All three have been hit against the Dodgers. A scoreless bottom of the ninth inning sent the game to extra innings, where Corbin Carroll sliced an opposite field two run home run to give Arizona the lead.

Against old friend Shelby Miller, Tommy Edman came off the bench and exhaled a breath of life with an opposite field deficit to cut the deficit to one. The Dodgers loaded the bases for Will Smith, who is still a .500 hitter with runners in scoring position this season. Smith didn’t need to make contact to make an impact, as he was plunked by Miller to bring in the tying run. Max Muncy just needed to put the ball in the air to win the game, and he did just that with a sacrifice fly. The Dodgers are now the second team in the National League to 30 wins on the year.


End it, Max! pic.twitter.com/pPovjtBXS0

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 21, 2025

Game particulars​

  • Home runs— Gabriel Moreno (3), Corbin Carroll (15)
  • WP— Anthony Banda (4-1): 1⁄3 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strikeouts
  • LP— Shelby Miller (3-1): 2⁄3 IP, 1 hit, 3 runs (2 earned), 0 walks, 0 strikeouts

Up next​


The Dodgers cap off their nine game homestand on Wednesday as they look to take the series against Arizona (7:10 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA). Dustin May starts the series finale for the Dodgers against Corbin Burnes, who bested May in their last matchup.

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/20/24434232/dodgers-diamondbacks-game-recap
 
Dustin May vs. Corbin Burnes for the second time in May

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Los Angeles Dodgers

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Dodgers wrap up homestand facing the D-backa ace

Still division leaders despite the recent run of bad form, the Dodgers host the Diamondbacks with a pitching matchup that adequately highlights the difference in health between these two rotations. Corbin Burnes will take the ball for an Arizona club whose top I've starters are already averaging over 50 innings pitched this season. On the other side, Dustin May is one of only two Dodger starters who have surpassed 35 innings.

Interestingly enough, May and Burnes faced off very recently in a pitchers' duel in Arizona earlier this month. May had one of his better performances this season, but couldn’t keep up with Burnes, who shut down the Dodgers' offense over seven frames as the D-backs won 3-0. A small note about that game is that it marked the last time Austin Barnes would take the field for the Dodgers, with him designated for assignment soon thereafter.

Speaking of Dodgers catchers, there is a chance May could pitch to his third different one in as many starts. After that start against Arizona, May pitched more recently against the Angels with Will Smith as his catcher. Smith caught the first two games of this series against the Dbacks and could take a seat with Dalton Rushing getting the nod.

Whoever is in the Dodgers lineup, they’ll have their work cut out for them, as Burnes is getting into a groove and looking like the ace Arizona went after this offseason. Burnes has allowed just one run across 19 innings in his last three starts, earning his first three wins as a Diamondback in that period.

Burnes will look to build on that momentum and erase some not-so-pleasant memories he has of pitching at Dodger Stadium. His 6.04 ERA at Dodger Stadium is the highest he has in any ballpark where he has pitched at least 20 innings.

The last time Burnes came to Chavez Ravine was in 2024 as a Brewer, and although he significantly lowered his ERA at Dodger Stadium with just one earned run in five innings, the night didn’t really go in his favor. Burnes actually allowed six runs in that game, but five of them were unearned. Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández both took him deep. Overall, Burnes has allowed more runs (23) than he has innings pitched (22.1) at Dodger Stadium.

Wednesday game info​

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks
  • Stadium: Dodger Stadium
  • Start time: 7:10 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

Source: https://www.truebluela.com/2025/5/2...dbacks-dustin-may-corbin-burnes-shohei-ohtani
 
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