Game 49: The Dodgers really don’t like the strike zone in St. Louis.

ST. LOUIS — Well, that was frustrating.

Read who got ejected from today’s loss to the Cardinals in my game story.

Paco Rodriguez ‘fessed up Sunday: He knew his velocity was down, the team was concerned, and he’s flying back to Los Angeles to meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache tomorrow. Deep breath. It isn’t Tommy John surgery — yet — but it isn’t as optimistic as Rodriguez made it sound Saturday, either.

Sunday’s box score is here.

The Giants lost, so the Dodgers remain a half-game up in the National League West standings.

Watch: Hector Olivera works out at Camelback Ranch.

I’m not sure how I missed this, but the Dodgers created and uploaded this video of infielder Hector Olivera working out at Camelback Ranch last week.

It’s nothing more than Olivera performing a series of baseball-specific and non-baseball specific workouts, but hey — it’s Hector Olivera in a Dodgers (warmup) uniform!

Olivera is expected to remain at the extended spring training facility in Glendale, Arizona until he is cleared to play for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Paco Rodriguez might be hurt after all, and now he’s getting his elbow checked out.

Paco Rodriguez

The Dodgers placed Paco Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list with a left elbow strain and recalled Matt West from Triple-A Oklahoma City. (Getty Images)


ST. LOUIS — Paco Rodriguez had a locker full of clothes in the visitors’ clubhouse at Busch Stadium, but he wasn’t there Sunday morning. So we were denied the chance to ask him about going on the 15-day disabled list with what the team is calling a strained left elbow.

Right-hander Matt West is up from Triple-A and wearing number 76. West is available out of the bullpen today; manager Don Mattingly described the 26-year-old as a possible multi-inning pitcher with a “live arm and good stuff.” That’s better than a dead arm, of course, and it seems Rodriguez might have one of those.

Continue reading “Paco Rodriguez might be hurt after all, and now he’s getting his elbow checked out.” »

Game 48: The Dodgers score a run … and then four more.

Busch Stadium

Saturday’s game between the Dodgers and Cardinals was delayed 2 hours, 20 minutes by rain. (Associated Press photo)

ST. LOUIS — Yasmani Grandal and Carlos Frias looked like their old selves again, and the Dodgers proved they could score on the road in beating the Cardinals.

The National League West standings look like this:

NL West
W
L
PCT
GB
HOME
AWAY
L10
STRK
Dodgers
29
19
.604
21-7
8-12
5-5
W1
Giants
30
21
.588
0.5
16-10
14-11
7-3
L1
Diamondbacks
23
25
.479
6.0
11-13
12-12
6-4
W2
Padres
24
27
.471
6.5
12-14
12-13
4-6
L1
Rockies
21
26
.447
7.5
8-13
13-13
7-3
W3

Today’s box score is here.

Erik Bedard allowed one run in six innings at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga today.

Before the game, I asked Paco Rodriguez about his steadily decreasing velocity. His explanation was interesting. Check out this Google spreadsheet (all credit to Jeff Zimmerman), which shows Rodriguez among the MLB leaders in decreased velocity compared to 2014.

Dodgers to keep three catchers, but that could change Wednesday.

Austin Barnes

Austin Barnes will remain on the Dodgers’ roster as the third catcher. (David Crane/Staff photographer)


The Dodgers activated catcher Yasmani Grandal from the 15-day disabled list prior to Saturday’s game and optioned outfielder Chris Heisey to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

That means Austin Barnes will remain with the Dodgers as a third catcher and utility infielder  — for now, though manager Don Mattingly said there will be more moves coming soon.

“We have that split doubleheader (against the Rockies) on Tuesday,” he said. “Part of that process and thinking Barnes is also a guy capable of playing infield and catch, but also pinch-hit for the catching spot.”

Barnes was added to a major-league roster for the first time last Saturday. He collected his first major-league hit the next night.

“It’s good to see how this is played up here,” he said. “It’s just like any other baseball. It’s a good first taste. I’ve learned a lot from Ellis and (Grandal).”