Thanks for the third out, man. pic.twitter.com/xDQxIuaqx9
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 24, 2015
CHICAGO — A bare-handed fan had an easier time catching fly balls than Cubs center fielder Matt Szczur … and the Dodgers still could not score a single run in support of Zack Greinke. The box score is here.
Prior to the game, I caught up with Ian Thomas about his adventurous day off.
CHICAGO >> Two vaguely familiar uniforms are hanging in the postage stamp of a visitors’ clubhouse at Wrigley Field. One (#63) belonged to Joel Peralta. The other (58) belonged to Ian Thomas.
The Dodgers optioned relief pitchers Daniel Coulombe and Matt West to Triple-A Oklahoma City and activated Peralta from the disabled list. Peralta spoke at length Monday about the physical and emotional journey he endured while recovering from a pinched nerve that was affecting his right triceps. Peralta has missed the 53 games and said there was no guarantee he would return at all. More from him in a future blog entry.
The more intriguing case is that of Thomas, who was officially recalled about 20 minutes before the anticipated 7:05 p.m. (CT) start time. A team spokesperson said that Thomas was delayed en route to Chicago from Oklahoma City, where the Dodgers’ top farm team is in the middle of a seven-game homestand.
Continue reading “Dodgers activate Joel Peralta, option Daniel Coulombe and Matt West to Oklahoma City.” »
Juan Nicasio pitched in the majors for the Colorado Rockies from 2011-14. He’ll start against his former team today and throw two or three innings depending on his pitch count. (Getty Images)
DENVER — The Dodgers and Colorado Rockies are playing two games today. The Dodgers have made some unconventional roster moves before Game 1 (which begins at 12:10 p.m. PT), and might make more before Game 2, all of which bear some explanation.
Juan Nicasio will start Game 1 for the Dodgers. It’s his first starting assignment since June 15 of last year (coincidentally, for the Rockies).
Continue reading “What to expect from today’s doubleheader.” »
DENVER — Juan Nicasio, whom the Dodgers acquired with the intention of converting into a relief pitcher, is starting a game at noon tomorrow for the first time all season.
Ian Thomas, whom the Dodgers acquired with the intention of converting into a starter, will be recalled tomorrow as the 26th man on a doubleheader roster. He’ll be used out of the bullpen.
Got it?
Clayton Kershaw? He made Monday’s game look easy, collecting three hits and pitching seven strong innings. Today’s box score is here.
Prior to the game, Don Mattingly said that Andre Ethier will be his left fielder when Yasiel Puig returns.
Eric Stults broke into the major leagues with the Dodgers in 2006. (Getty Images)
DENVER — Left-handed pitcher Eric Stults, whom the Dodgers acquired in the recent trade that sent Juan Uribe to the Atlanta Braves, will report to Double-A Tulsa.
Stults had been designated for assignment immediately after the trade became official. By accepting an outright assignment, Stults returns to the club that drafted him in 2002 and employed him at the major league level from 2006-09.
In nine games (eight starts) for the Braves this season, Stults went 1-5 with a 5.85 earned-run average.
The Dodgers were ultimately able to keep all four players they acquired for Uribe and pitcher Chris Withrow in the organization. Pitcher Ian Thomas is in Triple-A, pitcher Juan Jaime is at extended spring training and infielder Alberto Callaspo is with the Dodgers.
Chris Cotillo of SBNation.com first reported that Stults accepted the outright assignment.