Dodgers Scratch Out Win over Rox

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 1-0, taking the series 2-1. Both teams had trouble scoring, collecting only three hits through the first seven innings. However, Brad Ausmus singled to start the eighth, Juan Castro bunted him to second, and with Russell Martin pinch-running, Rafael Furcal hit a pinch-hit single that scored Martin. Clayton Kershaw went five innings, allowing only one hit, and the bullpen held Colorado to nothing for the rest of the game. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect ninth for his 19th save of the season. Brad Hawpe had two of the Rockies' three hits, including a double.

This was the last game the Dodgers played without Manny Ramirez. The embroiled slugger will return to the lineup Friday due to tomorrow's off-day.

The victory gave the Dodgers their 50th win, the first team in baseball to reach that mark.

The Dodgers made a few moves during the day. Eric Stults was activated from the 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A so he could play regularly. Catcher A.J. Ellis was sent down to Triple-A as well, and Mitch Jones was designated for assignment. Jones now has 10 days to be traded, claimed by another team, or released. If he clears waivers, he will return to the minors. Claudio Vargas is expected to be activated from the 60-day DL, a move that could force the Dodgers to move Hong-Chih Kuo to that same list from the 15-day DL. Manny Ramirez will be activated from the Restricted List now that his suspension is over.

Silence Screams Loudly in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Colorado Rockies 3-0, only the second time the Dodgers have been shutout all season. Chad Billingsley was spot-on, allowing only three runs while striking out 11, but it was only worth his fourth loss of the season. The Dodgers totaled only two hits in the entire game which lasted just two hours and 16 minutes, a stark contrast to yesterday's four hour-10 minute marathon. Jason Marquis was lights-out to become the NL's first 10-game winner, throwing a complete-game shutout in under 90 pitches. Juan Castro and James Loney were the only Dodgers that did not see goose-eggs in their box-scores, both getting a single. Brad Hawpe hit a solo-homer, and Marquis hit a two-run single that helped himself to some breathing room.

Dodgers Fall Asleep Again

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Seattle Mariners 4-2, dropping the series 2-1, the first time the team has lost back-two-back series. Hiroki Kuroda struggled early, giving up 4 runs in the first three innings, and the offense could not bail him out. Matt Kemp had a solo-homer, and Andre Ethier knocked in the only other run. Juan Castro scored a run. Adrian Beltre had a single, RBI, and run scored for the M's, and Jose Lopez had a two-run double that proved to be the back-breaker. Ichiro Suzuki scored a run.

Manny Ramirez struck out twice and walked in a rehab start with Single-A Inland Empire.

Ethier Repeats in Dodgers' Victory

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 in 12 innings, their fourth win in five games. The Dodgers won in the bottom of the twelfth after Andre Ethier hit a solo-homer with two outs, his second walk-off hit in as many games. It was also Ethier's second home run of the day. Hiroki Kuroda had six shutout innings, but Ronald Belisario could not preserve the lead, giving up two runs in the seventh that led the Phillies take the lead. However, in the bottom of the ninth Rafael Furcal hit a pinch-hit homer to tie the game and send it into extra-innings. James Loney had three hits, and Juan Castro had two. Matt Stairs hit a two-run single that gave the Phils their short lead, and Pedro Feliz had two hits and scored a run.

Dodgers Break Open Bats for Rox

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 16-6, improving to 5-2 in their last 7 games. The Dodgers scored in bunches, putting up 7 runs in the fourth inning and 8 runs in the seventh. LA totaled 19 base-hits, with each player in the 1-8 lineup getting at least two hits and a run scored. Juan Pierre had a three-run triple and scored twice, and Jamie Hoffmann had his second double in as many days. Orlando Hudson had two hits, two runs scored, and two RBI's. Matt Kemp, Russell Martin, James Loney, and Juan Castro each had three hits and two runs scored. Casey Blake added a double and two runs. Brad Hawpe collected two doubles, two runs, and two RBI's for the Rockies, and Dexter Fowler reached base three times.

Kershaw's Near No-No Leads Way for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Florida Marlins 12-5, taking the series 2-1 and finishing their road-trip with a 4-2 record. The story of the day was Clayton Kershaw, who threw seven innings of no-hit ball before giving up a leadoff double to Cody Ross in the eighth. Kershaw finished the game allowing only one run on one hit and four walks while striking out nine. Both Mark Loretta and Juan Pierre had three hits, drove in three runs, and scored twice. Juan Castro had his first homer of the season, and he scored four runs. Orlando Hudson had two RBI's, and Xavier Paul scored two runs. Dan Uggla had a double for the Marlins, and Ross had a grand slam in the ninth.

Stults Throws Gem in Victory

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 8-0, snapping a two-game losing streak and their first win without Manny Ramirez. Eric Stults was dominant, pitching a complete-game shutout while only allowing four hits, no walks, and striking out five. Juan Pierre doubled twice, knocked in three and scoring a run, and Orlando Hudson had a double and a run scored. Juan Castro also had two RBI-doubles, and Russell Martin walked three times and singled to reach base in all four plate-appearances. Aaron Rowand and Edgar Renteria had the Giants' only extra-base hits as both doubled.

Dodgers Receive Mark of 10

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 7-3, sweeping the series 4-0 and extending their home winning-streak to a franchise-record 10 games. Chad Billingsley got his fifth win of the season, pitching seven innings of two-run ball while striking out eight. Juan Pierre had two hits, two runs scored and an RBI, and Orlando Hudson doubled twice and knocked in three runs. Andre Ethier had a double, run and RBI, and Juan Castro had two hits and scored a run. Billingsley helped his own cause by singling in a run and later scoring. Brian Giles and Jody Gerut both went deep for the Padres, and Edgar Gonzalez doubled and drove in a run.

Manny Ramirez sat out with tightness in his hamstring, the same hamstring that caused problems for him in Spring Training. Manny will most likely be back in the lineup for tomorrow's game against Arizona.

James McDonald and Jeff Weaver switched roles, with McDonald going into the bullpen and Weaver starting on Tuesday. McDonald has struggled in the starting role, giving up 14 walks in less than 15 innings and compiling an 8.16 ERA. Weaver was called up from Triple-A, and he pitched four scoreless innings of relief after McDonald left in the second inning in Thursday's game.

Video: A Glimpse of the Dodgers' Opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers went all-out for their home-opener, including having each and every member of the 25-man roster enter the field through the stands. In this video, courtesy of Sons of Steve Garvey, you can see Brad Ausmus, Juan Castro, and a certain dog who hit for the cycle (hint: his first name is a city in Florida).

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 End Spring with Whimper

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Francisco Giants 3-1, their last spring exhibition of the year. James McDonald pitched four innings, yielding three runs on six hits while striking out five. Josh Lindblom took full advantage of his last chance to make the club, pitching four scoreless innings while allowing only three baserunners. James Loney had two hits and an RBI, and Juan Pierre scored the Dodgers' only run. Juan Castro had a double.

Dodgers News: Bench Mob, Ardoin is Cut, and Goodbye Arizona

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Francisco Giants 10-8, their last game in Arizona. Bench favorite Doug Mientkiewicz hit a two-run bomb, and Juan Castro had a double and homer. Juan Pierre had three hits, including a double, and Jason Repko knocked in two and scored a run. Hiroki Kuroda had his last tune-up before the season begins, allowing just one run in three innings. Hong-Chih Kuo pitched a perfect inning, and Eric Milton gave up eight runs in less than three innings, including two homers.

The Dodgers designated Danny Ardoin for assignment. Ardoin spent most of last season as Russell Martin's backup after Gary Bennet hit the DL. He has ten days to either accept his assignment in Triple-A or become a minor-league free agent.

This was the Dodgers' last game in Arizona. They will play three exhibition games at Dodger Stadium, one against the Angels and two against Milwaukee, then go to San Francisco to play a game against the Giants.

The Dodgers sent Eric Milton to Triple-A, and notified Tanyon Sturtze that he is on the bubble. Milton came into Spring Training as a candidate for the fifth-starter spot, but a 10.07 ER knocked him out of the race. Sturtze is still a possibility of joining the bullpen, but if he doesn't he will be sent to the minors as well.

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: McDonald Makes Case for Fifth, Blake Sees New View, and Broadcaster is Announced

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cleveland Indians 6-4, their win of the spring. Doug Mientkiewicz came up a home run short of the cycle, getting a single, double, and triple with two RBI's. Russell Martin had a two-run homer, and Juan Castro had a double, run scored, and RBI. James McDonald had his first start with the Dodgers, and pitched three hitless innings, allowing only a walk and inserted his name in the contest for the fifth starting pitcher in the rotation. Shawn Estes gave up two runs in less than three innings, and Scott Elbert gave up a run in one inning of work.

McDonald made the start in place of Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda pitched in a minor-league game instead.

Eric Collins was announced as the Dodgers' new play-by-play man for road games. Collins will call games on the road outside the NL West for TV affiliates FSN and KCAL 9.

Casey Blake played in his first game against the Cleveland Indians. Blake spent his entire major-league career with Cleveland, and went to the ALCS in 2007 with them. Blake was acquired from the Indians in the middle of last season for two prospects, and was later resigned in the off-season to shore up the infield.

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: Tough Thrashing, Schmidt Can't Pitch, and Manny Can't Play

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Colorado Rockies 9-5, their seventh loss of the season. Manny Ramirez made his debut in left-field, but left the game after injuring his hamstring. Eric Milton and Claudio Vargas both had rough outings, Milton giving up four runs in his first inning of work, and Vargas surrendering three runs in three innings. Valentino Pascucci had a two-run homer, and Hector Luna had a double, RBI, and three runs scored. Russell Martin and Casey Blake both had doubles, and Juan Castro had a hit and RBI.

Manny Ramirez was lifted in the fourth inning for a pinch-hitter after Ramirez tweaked his left hamstring. He received the injury after trying to run down a double in the top of the fourth. The hamstring tightened on Thursday, keeping him out of the lineup against Korea. Ramirez will not play in any game tomorrow, and might not play Tuesday with Wednesday an off-day.

Eric Stults, a long-shot candidate for the fifth-starter spot, pitched three shutout innings in a B-game against the Chicago White Sox yesterday.

Justin Orenduff cleared waivers and was sent to the minors. Orenduff was designated for assignment after LA signed Manny Ramirez.

Jason Schmidt complained of full-body fatigue and was given an extra day of rest. He was scheduled to pitch in today's game, but will instead start tomorrow against Oakland.

The Dodgers will play two split-squad games tomorrow, one against Oakland and the other against Seattle. While Schmidt going against the A's, Hiroki Kuroda will start against the Mariners.

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.