Dodgers Blow Past Braves in Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves 9-1, taking the series 2-1 and ending the road trip with a 3-4 record. LA scored four runs in the fifth inning, all with two outs, and never looked back. Chad Billingsley pitched five dominant, two-hit innings before being lifted after an injury. The Dodgers totaled 19 base hits, as Matt Kemp led the way with a three-run homer and a two-run single. Mark Loretta drove in and scored a run, James Loney had three hits and two RBI's, Andre Ethier reached base four times, and Manny Ramirez scored twice. Martin Prado had two hits and Atlanta's only RBI.

Billingsley was pulled after the fifth inning when he felt pain in his right leg. It was later described as a cramp in his hamstring.

Casey Blake had to sit out after he injured his wrist last night. He is day-to-day.

Corey Wade was activated from the 15-day disabled list, but was subsequently demoted to Triple-A.

Astros Silence Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Houston Astros 3-0, their first game of the second-half. Randy Wolf pitched six quality innings before allowing three singles to start the seventh, while Wandy Rodriguez was lights-out for Houston, shutting LA down. The Dodgers left nine men on base, and batted a collective 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Orlando Hudson was the sole bright spot of the game, notching three hits including a double. Kaz Matsui doubled and drove in a run for the 'Stros, and Humberto Quintero hit his first homer of the year.

Corey Wade was placed on the 15-day disabled list. The Dodgers called up Blake DeWitt to replace him in the roster.

Dodgers Come Up Short Against Mets

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the New York Mets 5-4, splitting the series at a game apiece. The Dodgers struck early, scoring in the first, but Hiroki Kuroda could not get outs, giving up eight hits and two walks that resulted in five runs scoring. The bullpen held New York back, but the offense failed in the clutch, hitting 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. The Boys in Blue tried to get back into the game, scoring a run in the eighth and in the ninth to cut the deficit to one. However, with two on and one out Andre Ethier grounded into a double-play to end the game. Rafael Furcal had two hits and two RBI's, and Matt Kemp tripled and scored twice. Russell Martin reached base four times, twice by hit and twice by walk. Manny Ramirez hit a home run in the ninth to cut the lead in half. David Wright scored two runs and drove in a run for the Mets.

Ronald Belisario was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a stiff shoulder, though the MRI revealed no structural damage. Corey Wade was called up from Triple-A to take his place.

Ethier's Power Surge Lifts Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Seattle Mariners 8-2, snapping a two-game losing streak. Andre Ethier went deep three different times, and collected 6 RBI's from his power-surge. Casey Blake had his own solo-homer and scored twice, and Matt Kemp had three hits, including a triple. Clayton Kershaw helped his own cause as he had an RBI-single; Kershaw held the M's to just two runs over six innings while striking out eight to get the win. Ichiro Suzuki had two hits and two runs scored for Seattle, and Jose Lopez drove in Ichiro both times.

Pau Gasol threw out the first pitch of the game. Gasol was greeted to a standing ovation, and was just the latest Laker to attend a Dodger game after Kobe Bryant appeared in Anaheim when the Boys in Blue battled the Angels.

The night's fireworks display used music from pop-icon Michael Jackson. He passed away on Thursday at the age of 50.

The Dodgers signed Aaron Miller, their top draft-pick.

Eric Milton will be activated in order to start tomorrow's game. Corey Wade will be demoted to Triple-A to make room on the roster.

Manny Ramirez will begin a rehab stint with Single-A Inland Empire tomorrow.

Homers Abound as ChiSox Beat Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago White Sox 10-7, evening the series at a game apiece. The White Sox scored every run courtesy of the homer, as five of the Chicago Nine went deep. Randy Wolf was tossed around despite having a 3-1 lead for a cushion early in the game. Corey Wade entered the game in relief, and he was battered as well. Matt Kemp hit his own homer, a three-run tater, and Mark Loretta scored twice and drove in a run. James Loney scored two runs, and Orlando Hudson had an RBI. Alexei Ramirez, Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, Josh Fields, and Jayson Nix each smacked a home run, with Fields hitting two.

Manny Ramirez had another rehab start with Albuquerqe. This time he drew a walk in his first plate-appearance, but grounded-out to the shortstop in his second. Manny was originally supposed to be in the game for at least five innings, but he left after four.

Dodgers Can't Endure Angel Slugfest

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 10-7, losing the 3-game series two games to one. The Dodgers jumped out to an early 4-0 victory after Jamie Hoffmann hit his first career home run, a three-run jack. However, Chad Billingsley was less than stellar, giving up five runs, four earned, in six innings to get only his second loss of the season. The bullpen could not keep the game close, as Corey Wade, Brent Leach, and Ramon Troncoso combined to give up five runs on seven hits. Hoffmann added a double and finished with four RBI's, and Orlando Hudson scored twice. Casey Blake had three hits, two runs scored, and an RBI, and James Loney drove in two runs. Matt Kemp had two hits and scored a run. Torii Hunter had two hits and 3 RBI's for the Angels, and Bobby Abreu added a triple and two runs scored. Juan Rivera singled three times, drove in two runs, and scored once.

Bullpen Crumlbes in First W/O Manny

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Washington Nationals 11-9, their first loss at home. The loss came just hours after Manny Ramirez was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a banned substance. The Dodgers broke out of the gate early, scoring six runs in the first inning, including a grand slam from Matt Kemp. Randy Wolf was solid, allowing only a run in six innings of work. However, the bullpen could not hold the lead, as Ramon Troncoso, Corey Wade, Will Ohman, Brent Leach, Guillermo Mota, and James McDonald combined to give up 10 runs, 13 hits, and two walks in just three innings of work. LA tried to come from behind in the ninth, scoring two runs, but ultimately fell short. Casey Blake came up a homer short of a cycle, and Kemp finished with five RBI's. James Loney and Russell Martin both had two hits, scored twice, and one RBI. Adam Dunn had a double and three runs batted in for the Nats, and Anderson Hernandez scored three times. Nick Johnson three hits, three RBI's, and two runs scored.

Dodgers Promote Weaver

The Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the contract of minor-league pitcher Jeff Weaver to help contribute to a thin bullpen and even spot-start. Weaver has been stellar for Triple-A affiliate Albuquerque, with an ERA of 3.55 in 12.2 innings for the Isotopes, striking out 12 while walking just two. Consequently, Scott Elbert was demoted to Double-A Chattanooga. Elbert gave up five runs in less than seven innings, translating into a 7.11 ERA. Corey Wade was activated from the disabled list, and Doug Mientkiewicz was put on the 60-day DL to make room for Weaver. Blake DeWitt was optioned to Albuquerque to make room for Wade.

Manny & Ethier Power Dodgers Past Rox

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 9-5, their seventh win in a row. Manny Ramirez connected twice for his first two home runs of the day, both solo shots. Andre Ethier also had two bombs, one solo and the other 3-run, his second multi-homer game of the season. Chad Billingsley went six innings to get his third win of the season, allowing three runs on four hits, three walks, while striking out six. Matt Kemp extended his hitting streak to 12 games with an RBI-single, and Brad Ausmus scored a run in his second start of the season. Will Ohman, in a rare at-bat, had an RBI single. Ian Stewart had a solo-homer for the Rockies, and Brad Hawpe had a two-run triple.

Manny's home run off starter Aaron Cook was his 528th career home run. It also meant that he has homered against all 30 major league teams in his career.

Corey Wade was put on the 15-day disabled list due to shoulder bursitis. The move is retroactive to April 12. The Dodgers called up lefty Scott Elbert to take his place in the bullpen. Elbert can also act as a long-reliever in addition to being a lefty-specialist.

Ronald Belisario could act as a substitute closer in tomorrow's game, despite him pitching today. He would replace Broxton, who is being given extra time off after pitching a five-out save on Friday.

Bullpen Collapses in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 4-3, splitting the series 2-2. The Dodgers entered the bottom of the eighth with a 3-1 lead, but Will Ohman and Corey Wade were shelled. Orlando Hudson had two hits, including a ninth inning triple that ultimately did nothing. Matt Kemp had two hits and knocked in two, and Andre Ethier reached base in all five of his plate appearances, as well as scoring and knocking in a run. Clayton Kershaw pitched five shaky innings but only gave up one run, and was in line for the win. Adrian Gonzalez had a home run, and David Eckstein doubled and scored a run for the Padres.

Dodgers' Debut Goes Smoothly

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 6-2 in an exhibition, their first game of the year at Dodger Stadium. Casey Blake had a two-run homer, and Andre Etheir had a solo shot and a triple. Manny Ramirez walked twice, singled, had an RBI and scored a run. James Loney had three hits, including a double, and Matt Kemp and Rafael Furcal both doubled. Randy Wolf pitched three innings, giving up only a run, and Will Ohman, Corey Wade, Guillermo Mota, Ronald Belisario, and Ramon Troncoso combined to pitch five scoreless innings of relief.

Dodgers News: Heavy Hitting, Oh Man, and Minor Awards

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-9, snapping a four-game spring losing streak. Blake DeWitt, Casey Blake, and James Loney all had home runs, and DeWitt came up a triple short of the cycle. Juan Pierre had two hits, runs, and RBI's. Andre Ethier had two doubles and three RBI's. James McDonald pitched four-and-one-third innings, giving up three runs on six hits. Corey Wade was the only pitcher to have a perfect outing for both teams.

Will Ohman made his debut for the Dodgers and showed his rust. Ohman gave up a walk and a home run and struck out one in one-third of an inning.

The Dodgers gave out awards to their top minor-league players. The winners were Xavier Paul for best Spring Training for a rookie, James McDonald for Pitcher of the Year, Ivan DeJesus Jr. for Player of the Year, and Tony Delmonico for Rookie of the Year.

Dodgers News: Schmidt Toils, Ohman Tries Out, and Billingsley Nears Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 7-3, their 17th loss of the spring. Matt Kemp hit a two-run home run and singled twice, providing most of the Dodger offense. Manny Ramirez had a double and a walk, and Russell Martin singled and scored a run. Jason Schmidt pitched a solid first inning, then the wheels fell off as he gave up three runs without getting past the fourth. Hong-Chih Kuo became a victim of the wind, giving up a run in one inning. Corey Wade had a perfect inning, and Josh Lindblom increased his bid for the opening-day roster, pitching two hitless innings. Ramon Troncoso pitched a perfect ninth.

The Dodgers gave LHP Will Ohman a try-out today. Ohman pitched in a simulated minor-league game. The Dodgers are searching for a left-handed pitcher to put in the bullpen, and Ohman is searching for a job. Erik Threets and Brian Mazone, both with the team, are the current candidates to fill the void left by Joe Beimal.

Chad Billingsley is ready to make his scheduled regular-season start as he rehabs a strained right-groin. Billingsley pitched in a simulated game and experienced no problems. Billingsley will pitch Friday in an exhibition against Milwaukee at Dodger Stadium.

Mark Loretta continues to recover from his own right-groin strain. Loretta is optimistic that he can enter a game by Wednesday or Thursday, possibly in a minor-league game.

Claudio Vargas is recovering his sore right-elbow. The soreness is caused by inflammation as he has learned, and there is no ligament damage. Vargas can begin throwing by next week.

Dodgers News: McDonald Shines, Billingsley's Held Back, and Vargas is Sore

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 8-6, their 13th win of the spring. James McDonald improved his claim to the fifth starter spot with three scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out three. Eric Milton took a step back as he allowed 6 runs on seven hits in less than three innings. Xavier Paul had a three-run triple, and both James Loney and Blake DeWitt had two hits and two RBI's. Juan Castro had two hits, one run scored, and an RBI.

Chad Billingsley will be held back from his scheduled start on Sunday because of a strained groin. Billingsley expects to pitch in a bullpen session on Friday.

Claudio Vargas's elbow became sore after Wednesday's outing. Vargas is a candidate for the fifth starter spot.

Jonathan Broxton and Corey Wade both pitched in simulated games rather than their expected bullpen sessions.

Dodgers News: Hungry Like a Wolf, Estes is Upset, and Manny Might Be Ready

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 11-4, their 12th win of the spring. Randy Wolf pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out six. Wolf also had a two-run double and scored a run. Jason Repko had a three-run home run, and Matt Kemp hit a solo blast. Rafael Furcal had a double and two RBI's, and Juan Pierre scored two runs and stole two bases. Guillermo Mota pitched a perfect inning, but Hong-Chih Kuo and Corey Wade struggled; Kuo giving up one run in one inning and Wade surrendering two doubles and a home run.

Shawn Estes is very frustrated with his release. He believes that he still is capable of pitching in the majors, and was somewhat annoyed that Ned Colletti was not present at the meeting that decided his fate. Estes has also shown reluctance at the idea of pitching in Albuquerque for the Dodgers' Triple-A minor-league affiliate, in part because of a crowed rotation and also because of the altitude.

The Dodgers sent five players to minor-league camp after the game. Nick DeBarr, Stephen Randolph, Hector Luna, Valentino Pascucci, and Mitch Jones all were reassigned. Charlie Haegar was reassigned earlier in the day as well.

Manny Ramirez is close to returning to the lineup. He could return as early as tomorrow against the Angels in the DH position. Ramirez has sat out all week with a tight hamstring, taking batting practice but limiting fielding exercises. He is now participating in all practices. There has been no word as to what will become of Manny over the next week as the Dodgers play against NL teams without the DH rules.

Dodgers News: Split Squad, Schmidt is Out, and Manny Will Sit

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Oakland Athletics 10-8, their 8th loss of the spring. Oakland scored 9 runs in the third inning off three different pitchers. Jason Schmidt pitched two scoreless innings, giving up only a hit and two walks and striking out two. Jeff Weaver surrendered four runs, and Shawn Estes gave up two. Matt Kemp had a double and RBI, and Brad Ausmus had two hits. Juan Castro had two hits, an RBI, and a run scored.

The Dodgers lost to the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in 10 innings, and lost both split-squad games. Mitch Jones had his fourth homer of the spring, and Orlando Hudson had two hits, including a double. Blake DeWitt had three hits, and Xavier Paul had two hits and a run scored. Hiroki Kuroda had a shaky outing, giving up two runs, one earned, in three innings on seven hits. Guillermo Mota, Corey Wade, and Ramon Troncoso each had a scoreless inning of work.

Jason Schmidt is out of the running for the fifth-starter spot, according to manager Joe Torre. Schmidt is unable to be ready to pitch on a normal 5-day rotation, suffering from severe fatigue after most of his outings.

Manny Ramirez will miss the rest of the week as he tries to heal his left hamstring. He aggravated his hamstring in yesterday's game as he ran to flag a double. Ramirez believes the injury was created from his extra workouts and exercises as he tried to make up for lost time.

Don Mattingly managed the Dodgers against Seattle as Joe Torre was the manager in the contest with Oakland. Mattingly is the hitting coach, and was a potential candidate to replace Torre as manager of the New York Yankees, where he spent his entire career. However, he lost the job to Joe Girardi. Mattingly is seen as the heir-apparent to Torre after the two remaining years on his contract are finished. His son, Preston Mattingly, plays in the Dodgers organization, and is a non-roster invitee to Spring Training.

Dodgers News: Manny's Debut, Wade Gets In, and Papelbon Won't Stop

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 4-3, their eighth win of the spring. Manny Ramirez made his Spring Training debut, getting a hit, run, and two walks. Andre Ethier and Delwyn Young both had a hit and RBI, and Orlando Hudson had a hit and scored two runs. Brad Ausmus had a double. Chad Billingsley had a rough outing, giving up two homers in his first inning of work, resulting in three runs. James McDonald pitched two scoreless innings, but walked four batters. Jeff Weaver, Guillermo Mota, and Corey Wade combined to throw three scoreless innings, allowing only hit and striking out three between them.

Corey Wade pitched a perfect inning in his spring debut. Wade was suffering with a sore shoulder, keeping him sidelined for a few weeks from pitching in any games.

Valentino Pascucci returned to the Dodgers after playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. He struck out in his only at-bat. Italy went 1-2 in the WBC, ultimately being eliminated by Venezuela.

Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon continued to explain his metaphor comparing Manny Ramirez to cancer. He likened Jason Bay, Manny's replacement, to chemotherapy. Ramirez was sent to LA from the Red Sox at the trade deadline in a three-way trade, and Bay was sent to Boston from Pittsburgh. Papelbon has drawn ire from the media for comparing Ramirez to cancer in an interview with Esquire.

Dodgers News: Late-Game Collapse, Schmidt is Close to Debut, and Blake Returns

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Seattle Mariners 8-7, their fifth loss of the season. The Dodgers had a 7-2 lead going into the eighth inning, but surrendered 6 runs in the 8th and 9th that lost the game. Juan Pierre had two hits, two runs, and two RBI's, and Casey Blake had two hits to go with an RBI. Both Xavier Paul and Orlando Hudson had a hit, scored a run, and knocked in a run, with Paul getting a triple. A.J. Ellis caught two runners stealing in addition to getting a hit and RBI. Chad Billingsley threw three scoreless innings, and Shawn Estes gave up a run in two innings.

Orlando Hudson and Rafael Furcal turned their first double-play of the spring. Hudson and Furcal give the Dodgers one of the best middle infields in the league.

Jason Schmidt is close to making his Spring Training debut, and first actual game with the Dodgers since 2007. He can throw in either Monday's or Tuesday's game. Schmidt has pitched in intra-squad games, "B" games, live batting practice, and bullpen sessions.

Hong-Chih Kuo and Corey Wade are recovering from elbow and shoulder injuries, respectively. Kuo has thrown bullpen sessions and is scheduled to pitch in a B-game on Monday. Wade will pitch live batting-practice and can make his exhibition debut by next week.

Casey Blake made his return to the lineup after pulling a hamstring. He was in the DH position, and can return to third-base in a matter of days.