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.

Weaver's Struggles Set Dodgers Back

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3, evening the series at a game apiece. Jeff Weaver struggled, giving up four runs (two earned) over three-and-a-third innings, and it was a deficit the Dodgers could not escape. Rafael Furcal and Andre Ethier had back-to-back homers, with Furcal hitting a two-run shot, and Matt Kemp scored a run. Prince Fielder had two hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Brewers, and J.J. Hardy drove in two runs.

Jonathan Broxton will not pitch tomorrow or participate in the All Star Game this Tuesday due to a nerve issue in his right-big toe. The toe was a problem for him before in mid-June, and just recently started to affect his pushoff, explaining his recent performances.

Blake DeWitt was demoted to Triple-A for the third time this season. Scott Elbert was called up to replace him. Elbert had two-and-two-thirds shutout innings in the game.

Dodgers Defeat Mets Handily

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 8-0, their first victory in the Mets' new Citi Field. The Dodgers struck early in the second with three runs, and led for the rest of the game. New York could only muster four hits and two walks over nine innings. Rafael Furcal scored twice, and Orlando Hudson drove in two runs. Manny Ramirez collected three RBI's before being ejected after reacting negatively to a strike out. Matt Kemp totaled two hits, a run scored, a run-batted-in, and an outfield assist. Blake DeWitt had a pinch-hit homer, his first blast of the season. Juan Pierre tripled and scored a run after replacing Manny. Clayton Kershaw pitched six shutout innings, striking out seven and walking only two. Luis Castillo had only one of the Amazins' four hits.

Claudio Vargas made his Dodger debut after spending the entire season on the disabled list. Vargas had a perfect inning, but was struck by a line-drive.

Ronald Belisario returned to Los Angeles to have an MRI on his right elbow after he complained of stiffness. There is no word if he will be placed on the disabled list.

Dodgers Salvage Game in Extras

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 7-6 in 13 innings, taking the series 2-1. The Dodgers seemed to be in complete control entering the bottom of the ninth, as Chad Billingsley was cruising to what looked like a complete-game and his 10th win of the season. However, a homer and a double later, he was pulled and Jonathan Broxton was put in with a still comfortable four-run lead. Things took a turn for the worst in Broxton's worst outing of the season though, as he gave up a walk, single, walk, walk, and single to tie the game at six runs apiece. In the 13th inning, James Loney broke the game open with a solo-homer, and Jeff Weaver spun three innings of no-hit ball to get his fourth win. Casey Blake hit a three-run home run, and Andre Ethier had a solo-shot. Billingsley doubled and hit his first career homer. Juan Pierre had four hits, and Rafael Furcal scored twice. Kevin Kouzmanoff and Chase Headley both had solo-homers for the Padres, and Everth Cabrera had the game-tying, two-run single.

Eric Milton was placed on the 15-day disabled list, again because a troubling back. Jeff Weaver, James McDonald, and Claudio Vargas are all capable of filling his spot in the rotation. Blake DeWitt was called up to replace him on the roster.

Dodgers Send Hoffmann, DeWitt to Minors

The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned infielder Blake DeWitt and outfielder Jamie Hoffmann to Triple-A Albuquerque, and called up catcher A.J. Ellis. The move leaves the Dodgers with 24 men on their 25-man roster, with a call-up expected before tomorrow's game. The Dodgers could call up power-hitting outfielder Mitch Jones who impressed club officials in Spring Training. However, Jones is not part of the 40-man roster, and his promotion would require another move. Ellis was called up briefly before in the season, but never entered a game; his presence instead allowed the Dodgers to use Brad Ausmus as a pinch-hitter. Hoffmann struggled in his major-league stint, but hit his first home run and totaled 7 RBI's despite only collecting four hits. DeWitt has bounced between the majors and the minors, and had only three hits in his limited appearances.

Phils Batter Dodgers for Split

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Philadelphia Phillies 7-2, ending the 4-game series in a split. The Dodgers did not get any help from Randy Wolf, who gave up six runs in less than seven innings of work. The Phillies used LA pitching for batting-practice, as Shane Victorino, Ryan Howard, and Carlos Ruiz each had a homer for Philadelphia. Juan Pierre had two hits, including a double, and Matt Kemp had an RBI. Casey Blake doubled and scored a run, and Ethier crossed home-plate as well.

Eric Milton was placed on the 15-day disabled list for tightness in his back. The Dodgers recalled Blake DeWitt to take his place on the roster. Milton was 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA. A fifth starter will not be needed due to three off-days until June 20 against the Angels. However, by that time Eric Stults is expected to be ready to come off the disabled list. The extra bench-player will help as the Dodgers enter interleague play, and travel to Texas and Chicago to play the Rangers and the White Sox with the designated-hitter rule.

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.

DeWitt Replaces Mientkiewicz

Doug Mientkiewicz was placed on the 15-day disabled list today after he dislocated his right shoulder sliding into second-base in the Dodgers' win over the Giants. Blake DeWitt will take his place in the roster after being called up from Triple-A Albuquerque. DeWitt beat out Xavier Paul for the spot, despite the fact that Paul is batting .571. Mientkiewicz will undergo surgery after an MRI revealed his shoulder was completely dislocated, with part of the labrum pulled off, according to Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News. The team trainer estimates it will be at least three months before Doug can return, while Joe Torre and Ned Colletti believe September is more likely.

Opening Day: Oh Dog! Hudson Leads Way as Dodgers Pound Giants

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the rival San Francisco Giants 11-1, their first game at Dodger Stadium this season. Orlando Hudson led the way as he hit for the cycle, the first Dodger to hit for the cycle since Wes Parker in 1970. First Hudson hit an infield-single in the first inning, then homered to put the Dodgers up 1-0 in the third. Later Hudson hit a one-run double in a six-run fourth, then tripled to get himself the rare cycle in the sixth inning. Hudson finished the game with four hits, 2 RBI's, and three runs scored. Andre Ethier did his best to catch up to the red-hot Hudson by hitting two home runs and collecting four RBI's. Russell Martin and Rafael Furcal both knocked in two runs, and Matt Kemp's single gives him an eight-game hitting streak. Manny Ramirez doubled and scored a run. Chad Billingsley pitched a gem to get the win, allowing just one run on five hits while fanning 11 with no walks. Travis Ishikawa had the Giants' only RBI, and veteran Randy Johnson was lit up, allowing seven runs in less than four innings of work.

Delwyn Young was designated for assignment in order to make room on the 40-man roster. The Dodgers have 10 days to release him, trade him, or place him on waivers. If Young can clear waivers, he can stay with the organization in the minor-leagues. However, if placed on waivers, another team claim and take him.

Blake DeWitt was sent to Triple-A Albuquerque in order to play regularly and get more at-bats. The Dodgers called up Juan Castro to take his place in the roster.

Roster Moves: DeWitt Stays, Lindblom Goes

The Dodgers made more roster moves in preparation for the season opener. They sent Josh Lindblom, Brian Mazone, Juan Castro, Erick Threets and Luis Maza to the minors, specifically sending Lindblom to Double-A to be a starter. Blake DeWitt made the major-league roster, as well as Will Ohman, Ronald Belisario, and Ramon Troncoso. Doug Mientkiewicz is expected to make the roster tomorrow, but first the 40-man roster needs to be worked out so that he, Belisario, and Ohman can join the roster. Jason Schmidt was put on the 15-day disabled list, and Tanyon Sturtze was sent to the minors.

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: 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: Surprise Surprise, Lindblom Blossoms, and Manny Might Be Back

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Kansas City Royals 9-4, despite scoring three runs in the first inning. Claudio Vargas started his first game for LA, pitching three innings and only allowing one run on three hits and two walks. Eric Milton gave up 8 runs, including a six-run fifth inning, but just one of those runs was earned. James Loney, Delwyn Young, and Blake DeWitt each had an RBI in the first, and DeWitt had three hits.

Josh Lindblom had a good debut for the big-league club after being promoted. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out three.

Manny Ramirez may be close to returning to the lineup. Manny could DH in Monday's game against the Angels. He is currently healing a tight left-hamstring which he aggravated in Sunday's game.

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 Scratched, Two Sent to Minors, and Pedro Gets Interest

Manny Ramirez was unable to start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in today's exhibition against Team Korea. He complained of a tight hamstring, but believed he could still start. Manager Joe Torre did not let him though, and kept him on the bench. Manny could be ready by tomorrow.

The Dodgers defeated Team Korea of the WBC 4-2 in an exhibition. Chin-lung Hu hit a two-run single in the eighth to win the game for LA. Orlando Hudson had two hits, and Blake DeWitt and James Loney each had a double. Randy Wolf pitched 3-and-one-third scoreless innings with two hits, two walks, and four strikeouts. Shawn Estes only gave up a hit in two innings of work, and Hong-Chih Kuo made his spring debut, giving up a hit and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning.

The Dodgers sent pitchers Scott Strickland and Travis Chick down to the minors. The move cuts the number of pitchers in camp to 28.

Russell Martin returned to the Dodgers, scoring a run. Martin caught for Team Canada in the WBC and had a home run against Team USA. Canada was eliminated in two games.

The Dodgers are curious about signing Pedro Martinez, but that's all. Pedro pitched six scoreless innings for the eliminated Dominican Republic WBC team, but his glory years are behind him. Martinez came up in the Dodgers organization, but was traded when management believed he could not be an effective starter. He has won three Cy Young awards and has 3,117 career strikeouts with Montreal, Boston, and the New York Mets.

Dodgers News: LA Bites Snakes, Abreu is Out, and Paul is In

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-3, their seventh win of the spring. Casey Blake slugged a solo homer, and Matt Kemp had a 2-run home run. Brad Ausmus had two hits, including a double, and James Loney had two hits, two RBI's and a run scored. Juan Pierre tripled and Orlando Hudson scored a run. Hiroki Kuroda pitched three-and-two-thirds scoreless innings with six strikeouts, and has not given up an earned run all spring. Jeff Weaver gave up a run in his only inning, and Guillermo Mota pitched a scoreless inning, striking out two.

The Dodgers will have tomorrow off, and will play an exhibition against Team Korea on Thursday. Manny Ramirez is expected to make his debut that day.

Tony Abreu is no longer a candidate for a utility role with the big-league club. Abreu strained his groin during Spring Training, and hasn't played in a game since. He is improving, but due to his lack of playing time (he was out all last season with sports hernia and hip surgery), he will play in the minors. Juan Castro, Blake DeWitt, Hector Luna, and Doug Mientkiewicz are all candidates for the utility-man spot. Chin-lung Hu, normally a defensively-gifted middle infielder, has made too many errors to be in the running.

Xavier Paul is a strong candidate for the fourth outfield spot if Juan Pierre is traded. Paul is batting .406 in Spring Training with 10 RBI's, one homer, two triples, and three doubles. Juan Castro's bat is making him the favorite to become a utility infielder. Castro has a .524 batting average with a home run and five doubles.

Dodgers News: LA Makes Up for Schmidt, Kuo Gets a "B", and Korea Comes to Town

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 14-7. Juan Castro beefed up his utility-man resume with a solo homer, and Hector Luna had a 2-run home run. Xavier Paul had 3 runs, 3 hits, and 2 RBI's, and Blake DeWitt scored a run, got two hits, and knocked in two. Both James Loney and Matt Kemp had one hit, one run, and one RBI. Jason Schmidt gave up three runs in two innings in his first start with LA since 2007, but got the win after the Dodgers scored 10 runs in the first three innings. Eric Milton threw three scoreless innings after Claudio Vargas surrendered four runs.

Schmidt, in his first start since 2007, allowed three runs, two walks, and two hits, including a home run. He struck out two.

Hong-Chih Kuo made his spring debut in a B-game against the Chicago White Sox, pitching a scoreless inning. Kuo could pitch in a real game as early as Thursday.

Andruw Jones launched a home run off Claudio Vargas, his first homer of the spring. Jones played with the Dodgers last season, signing the highest salary contract in franchise history. However, Jones was a flop, with 14 RBI's and 3 home runs. The Dodgers reworked his contract so they could release him, and Jones signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers. He hopes to make the club in April.

Team Korea defeated Team Japan in their pool finale to determine the two teams' seeding in the next round for the World Baseball Classic. Korea will play the Dodgers this Thursday in an exhibition.

Dodgers News: No-Hit Innings, DeWitt Stays at Short, and USA Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 5-4, evening their Spring Training record to 3-3. Mitch Jones had his third home run of the spring, and Blake DeWitt went deep as well. Mark Loretta had an RBI. Chad Billingsley pitched 2 no-hit innings, and Shawn Estes had two scoreless innings as well.

After Ivan De Jesus, Jr.'s injury, Blake DeWitt will see more time at shortstop. DeWitt played his second game at short today, and is capable of playing both second-base and third.

Team USA played an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, and Jonathan Broxton pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit and a walk. Team USA won 6-5.

In other World Baseball Classic news, Kenley Jansen, Valentino Pascucci, Luis Maza, and Russell Martin all played in exhibitions. Martin had a double and scored a run in Team Canada's 6-4 win against Toronto. Pascucci had a two-run home run in Team Italy's 9-6 loss to Washington. Maza had a pinch-hit opportunity, but could not get on base in Venezuela's 7-5 loss to Detroit. Jansen went hitless in two at-bats and committed an error in the Netherlands 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh.

Dodgers News: Home Opener, No News Still, and Pitchers Make Progress

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell in their first game at their new Spring Training home, Camelback Ranch, to the stadium's co-occupants, the Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers held a 2-run lead going into the ninth inning before surrendering 3 runs to the Sox. Mark Loretta and Blake DeWitt each had an RBI, and Matt Kemp scored a run and hit a double. Hiroki Kuroda pitched two scoreless innings, only giving up a hit, and Claudio Vargas and Eric Milton both made their cases to be the fifth starter, both pitching two scoreless innings and allowing two baserunners.

Frank McCourt has said negotiations with Manny Ramirez have paused for now, but will likely resume in some time. Scott Boras and GM Ned Colletti have still spoken over the phone, but no real progress has been made. News came that McCourt pulled the Dodgers' offer of 2 years, $45 million deferred.

Eric Milton pitched for the first time since 2007 after suffering an elbow injury, and retired 6 of the 8 batters he faced, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two. Claudio Vargas also threw two scoreless innings, but allowed two hits. Guillermo Mota had a perfect inning. All three pitchers and Hiroki Kuroda are capable of making the club in April.

Ramon Troncoso left the game after pitching 2/3rds of an inning for reasons unknown.

Tomorrow will be an off-day, with the club playing a 7-inning "B" game against Milwaukee.

Dodgers News: Clutch Hits, No News Is Still News, and DeWitt Makes a Change

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 13-5, their second win of Spring Training. Matt Kemp had a 2-run home run, and Mitch Jones continued his hot hitting with a grand-slam in a 6-run eighth inning. Juan Castro had 3 hits, including 2 doubles, Valentino Pascucci snagged 3 hits as well, and Jamie Hoffmann had 3 RBI's. The Dodgers' pitching prospects teamed up, with Clayton Kershaw giving up 2 runs in 2 innings, and James McDonald throwing two scoreless innings to get the win. Scott Elbert had 2 perfect innings.

Blake DeWitt played at shortstop for the first time in his professional career. If he can successfully cover short, he improves his chances to make the team's roster as a utility-man. DeWitt currently can play second-base and third.

There have been no new talks between the Dodgers and Manny's agent Scott Boras, according to MLB.com. Boras told the website he spoke with Ned Colletti, but there is nothing new to report. The team still has not responded to Boras's counter-offer of a non-deferred $45 million for two years.

This was the last game for Russell Martin, Valentino Pascucci, and Luis Maza with the Dodgers. All three, as well as Jonathan Broxton and Kenley Jansen will all be leaving to join their respective World Baseball Classic teams.